Elementary Schools in Cyprus Embrace Maritime Education
In a remarkable educational venture, elementary schools across Cyprus have reached a significant milestone by adopting 1,000 ships over the past two decades. This initiative is part of an international campaign spearheaded by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC), the leading ship-owning body on the island.
Thomas Kazakos, Director General of the CSC, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “To date, a thousand CSC member ships have been adopted by 1,000 primary schools in Cyprus, engaging 20,000 pupils since 2006, getting to know all about shipping and the sea from a young age,” he said. Kazakos highlighted the importance of the program in nurturing the next generation of maritime professionals by stating, “They are the future of Cyprus shipping.”
The “Adopt a Ship” program pairs pupils with either a Cyprus-flagged or Cyprus-managed vessel. Students communicate weekly with the ship’s captain or a senior officer via email, learning about the ship’s global voyages and gaining insights into the maritime world.
Originally launched by the CSC in collaboration with the non-profit Cyprus Maritime Environmental Protection Association (CYMEPA) in 2006, the initiative has since gained international traction. It aims to educate young minds about the shipping industry, maritime safety, and to inspire them to consider careers in this vital sector.
The success of the program was celebrated at an event held at Columbia Plaza in Limassol. The event was graced by Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanoli, a representative from the Ministry of Education, and featured 100 pupils and 14 teachers from five different Limassol elementary schools. This celebration also coincides with the CSC’s 35th anniversary, marking over three decades of commitment to maritime excellence and education.
With such initiatives, Cyprus continues to foster a strong connection between its youth and the maritime industry, ensuring that the island nation remains at the forefront of shipping education and environmental stewardship for years to come.
