Learners take on climate change with esports eco-game

LEARNERS and educators from Glenwood High, Penzance Primary, Eden College, Durban Girls’ Secondary and 35 other schools in the greater Durban area attended a training session at uShaka Marine World’s Sea World last week. This marked the beginning of the 2023 Mind Blown League (MBL) season. Mind Blown League is an award-winning esports league aimed at nurturing science curiosity and raising awareness around climate change.

Participants at the training were given starter gaming kits and practical skills to help them manage and train other players back at their school clubs, thus creating a ripple effect of awareness and action among the nearly 1 000 players participating in this year’s KZN league.

Varsha Naidu Moodley, the Visitor Engagement co-ordinator of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), enthused about the event, saying, “Schools received exceptional training. The game is not just enlightening about climate change and what we can do about it, but it is also incredibly enjoyable!”

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At the training, MBL proudly introduced its flagship game: GOGI: Guardians of Gaia Island. This original, collectible card game allows players to form teams, customise decks and compete against fellow club members. The game, proudly made in South Africa, is rich in lore and strategy. It challenges players to a duel of gathering the most Sparx (in-game currency) by capturing Blight Beasts. Blight Beasts are real-world ecological challenges, such as litter and plastic pollution that have ‘monstified’ into the game world as Litterbug Lwazi and Plasticia, among dozens of others. The game also incorporates Mind Seeds, which are mind-blowing Science and Technology facts that are linked to the school syllabus.

Other ways in which players can earn Sparx is by engaging in ecological actions, such as tree planting, recycling and litter clean-ups, among others. The experience points (XP) earned through these activities help players level up and unlock special in-game cards. They also earn badges that symbolise, not only the levels they have achieved but also their commitment to the environment. The first of these activities is happening this Saturday when learners participate in the International Coastal Clean-up at uShaka Beach. Those who participate can earn 250 Sparx (in-game points).

This innovative approach to climate action is the culmination of a four-year pilot project by Berea residents Viroshen and Nireshnee Chetty, who run a publishing company. Viroshen is also an acclaimed author and graphic designer. From 2016 to 2019, the couple worked with 5 000 learners, educators and education specialists in eThekwini to find a novel way to nurture a generation of learners who will grow up to be part of the solution for climate change. They realised early on that the key was to spark curiosity in Science and Technology and encourage learners to engage with nature.

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“The lightbulb moment was when we discovered that gamified education is the most effective form of teaching. Numerous studies extol the virtues of learning through play,” said Viroshen. The couple, based in Manor Gardens, have since won social innovation awards from the Technology Innovation Agency and the SAB Foundation.

The ongoing league culminates on October 31. The best-performing team with the most Sparx (in-game currency) from each school will advance to the playoffs on December 2. “The MBL finals promise not just prestige but also enticing rewards,” said media relations officer Nomtha Khuzwayo. “The winning school receives a smartboard, while triumphant teams walk away with cash prizes and the 2023 MBL Cup.”

Registration for new schools remains open until the end of September. Schools keen on participating this season should seize this opportunity. To get involved or for further information, contact Nireshnee at 078 593 0585 or explore the website: www.mindblownleague.com

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