Logos Hope is the epitome of the world’s potential

MANY ships enter the Port of Richards Bay during the course of a year.

They carry goods and cargo, both for import and export, and are manned by seafarers who hail from numerous countries.

But rarely does a vessel enter the harbour with as precious and valuable a cargo, nor as important a mission, as does

MV Logos Hope, presently moored at the commencement of an almost month-long stay.

It is billed as ‘the world’s biggest floating book fair’, but this moniker hardly tells the story.

Yes, it does carry a huge number of books for sale, many of which would otherwise not be available to our residents.

The pure educational value of these volumes is enormous and we fully endorse the welcoming words of optimism from our local mayors that the ship’s visit could ignite a culture of reading.

This is an important topic in any context, since the fact is that young people who are raised on electronic screens rather than ink on paper, are growing increasingly less adept at comprehension.

In a world dominated by visuals, the art of reading and understanding – as opposed to seeing and rapidly forgetting – is taking its toll.

But the ship’s visit goes beyond promoting the exciting world of literature.

Just as the crew is made up of men and women from 60 nationalities, so the boat is a living lesson on how people from differing cultures and languages can meet, gain understanding of each other, and live in harmony.

The vessel is a microcosm of what the world could be like; its very name exudes hope that through dialogue and education, unity and harmony can prevail.

The ship also serves a missionary purpose, and many religious leaders will benefit from the special workshops on offer during her stay. And while religious beliefs often lead to division and even warfare in extreme cases, the emphasis here is on what unites, rather than divides.

Other on-board activities such as plays and entertainment, are bonus serendipities.

Also of note is that the entire crew complement, including the captain, does not receive a salary.

All are volunteers, who must find their own sponsors. However, their reward and sense of self-worth for service to their fellow humans exceeds any financial considerations.

The ZO has often beaten the drum on the need for volunteers and even as this article is being written, important community groups such as the SPCA and Hospice are in dire need of volunteers who can help keep them fully functional.

We wish the Logos Hope godspeed as she blesses our shores and ventures on to her next port of call.

Our wish is that the joy, knowledge, unity and love of learning she sows will remain and bear fruit long after her departure.