The successful Youth At Sea Project
FOUR Hermanus pupils have returned home after a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on an ocean mapping expedition.
The four youths, chaperoned by a CapeNature official, set sail on November 25 aboard the Fleur De Passion as part of the Youth At Sea project, headed by the the Swiss Embassy in South Africa.
Three Gansbaai Academia learners and one pupil from Generation Schools Hermanus were selected, based on their excellent academic performance in science and maths, to spend eight days at sea.
Phumelela Siweni, 16, Caitlin van Eeden, 15, Zainabo Anzuruni, 17, from Gansbaai Academia and Kyle Saville, 17, from Generation Schools Hermanus, measured the impact of humans on the oceans and aimed to raise awareness for sustainable development.
The Youth At Sea project was put in place to promote young South Africans with an interest in marine life and enable them to interact with youth from Switzerland. The pupils assisted with taking samples and learning more about ocean and marine life.
CapeNature’s People and Conservation Programme administered the partnership between the Swiss Embassy in South Africa, the Education Department, Gansbaai Academia and Generation Schools Hermanus.
CapeNature chief executive Dr Razeena Omar said the organisation worked very closely with communities surrounding nature reserves.
“The reality is that children in these areas are often living right next to the ocean and rivers but have never set foot on a boat or explored the waters. We felt it was imperative to mobilise funds to assist and ensure this exciting journey could commence,” Omar added.
For Phumelela, who has a great passion for marine life, the opportunity to participate in the project was a major milestone.
When Zainabo heard she had been selected for the initiative she was overwhelmed with excitement.
“I never knew I would get an opportunity like this. I’m looking forward to seeing everything so that I can get experience.”