A Virtual Cultural Exchange Program to educate children around the world on other cultures and the real world impacts of climate change.

What We Do

Photo: Children standing in water where a thriving village (Tebunginako) used to be.

Hearts Above The Sea (HATS) is an Australian registered charity with the aim of delivering educational projects to the low lying nations in the South Pacific who are affected by global climate change, starting with Kiribati, whose resilient people are adapting to climate change.

Our Goals

  • Create Solutions

  • Raise Awareness

  • Provide Education

  • Preserve Culture

Learn more about What We Do

Photo: Students at BTC JSS in Kiribati who participated in the HATS VCEP pilot.

Kiribati has a rich cultural heritage, strong community connections, and a proud history of adapting and thriving in its unique island environment. HATS celebrates the people, knowledge, and traditions of Kiribati and supports opportunities for their stories and perspectives to be shared with the world..

The Virtual Cultural Exchange Program (VCEP) connects school-aged children in Kiribati, Australia, and beyond to learn from one another, explore the cultures of the South Pacific, and exchange ideas about sustainability, community, and the future. Through these connections, students can develop a deeper appreciation of Kiribati’s culture, the strengths of its communities, and the knowledge and innovation that will help shape generations to come.

Virtual Cultural Exchange Program

How the Virtual Cultural Exchange Program works

  • 1. Sign up to the VCEP

  • 2. Search through lesson plans

  • 3. Teach the lessons

  • 4. Students complete activities

  • 5. Students reflect

Learn more about the VCEP

Help Us Grow

Get Involved

Partners and Supporters

Johnson & Johnson, UTS, Sandbox, JB Hi-Fi, 180Degrees Macquarie, St Augustine's College Sydney, and Santa Sabina College
Partner With Us

“For the Pacific, Climate Change is not a hypothetical. It is real. And it is happening now.”

Jacinta Ardern, former New Zealand Prime Minister

The Hearts Above The Sea work is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Inclusive and equitable quality education for all; and SDG 13: Climate Action.