May.19--THE Lawhill Maritime Studies programme, an educational programme offered to financially stressed young South Africans, has won the international Seatrade Investment in People Award.
    The programme, which has been running for 17 years, is wholly funded by the shipping industry and has been pioneered by shipping line Safmarine.
    IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu presented the award in London to Brian Ingpen, the head of the Lawhill Maritime Centre based in Simon's Town. The honour recognises Lawhill's effectiveness in addressing 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, a Safmarine statement said.
    Brian Ingpen paid tribute to all those who have supported the programme, particularly those organisations and individuals who have provided bursaries which has made it possible for young South Africans to obtain a quality education.
    Said Safmarine CEO Grant Daly: "The Lawhill programme has made, and continues to make, a real and visible difference in the lives of many young South Africans."

(Source:shippingazette)