Matrics learn about shipping thanks to joint sponsorship

At Sithengile Secondary School there are ten learners who really do understand shipping. The school, situated some 20km inland from Durban in an extremely impoverished area, saw ten of its learners sponsored to participate in a part-time adult learning course aptly titled “Understanding Shipping”. The ten were required to independently submit and pass nine assignments on various aspects of shipping. This was in addition to their normal final year school work. Following a final oral exam, five of the students were handed certificates while five were given letters of recommendation. “This is an outstanding achievement if you take into consideration that they were busy with their matric while doing this course,” said spokesman for Jo Tankers, sponsors of the ten students. “Many of the students are also the breadwinners for their families and work as well.” Jo Tankers, in partnership with the South African branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), decided to sponsor the “Understanding Shipping” course in an effort to encourage young people to choose the shipping industry as a career. “The students were also given the opportunity to visit one of the Jo Tanker vessels in the Port of Durban. This gave them an idea of what happens on a real ship and added to the course as it offered some much needed practical experience,” said the spokesman. In order to encourage the school’s efforts in maritime teaching Jo Tankers along with the Grindrod Group and other sponsors have also recently built a brand new “maritime classroom” and computer centre for the school. According to the spokesman, due to the success of the programme, the company has decided to sponsor ten more learners next year to do the same course.