South African maritime education programme wins international award
The award – presented to Brian Ingpen, head of the Simon’s Town-based Lawhill Maritime Centre by IMO Secretary-General, Koji Sekimizu - recognised Lawhill’s effectiveness in helping to address youth unemployment and poverty in South Africa by providing students with maritime-related skills while they were still at school.
More than 300 young South Africans have graduated from the programme since its inception, many of them pursuing successful careers in the maritime industry, both ashore and at sea, while others have made their mark in other industries.
Speaking from London, Brian Ingpen paid tribute to all those who have supported the programme for the past 17 years, particularly those organisations and individuals who have provided bursaries which has made it possible for financially-stressed young South Africans to obtain a quality education.
Commenting on the Lawhill’s win, Safmarine CEO Grant Daly, said: "The Lawhill programme has made, and continues to make, a real and visible difference in the lives of many young South Africans and we, as Safmarine, are immensely proud to be associated with this programme."
Safmarine - a shipping brand which originated in South Africa and which is now in 130 countries around the world - is also a former winner of a Seatrade award. In 1995 Safmarine won a Seatrade award for its innovative 'Containers in the Community' programme, a CSI programme which celebrates its 20th anniversary in July 2012.
Established in 1989, the Seatrade Awards is one of the most respected and recognised global maritime award schemes. This year’s judging panel was chaired by IMO Secretary-General, Koji Sekimizu who presented the award to Brian Ingpen.
Brian Ingpen (centre), head of Lawhill Maritime Centre, with the Seatrade ‘Investment in People’ Award.
For more information:
Debbie Owen
Safmarine
Tel: +27 21 788 9962/3
[email protected] or [email protected]