Charting The Course In Maritime Education

Educating the Educators is EThekwini Maritime Cluster's passion. Today, one of the 4 main programmes initiated and facilitated by the EMC - Training and Skills Development - was lit as we celebrated victories and awarded well-deserved certificates to Maritime teachers from various schools in and around KZN. EMC, in partnership with the Department of Education, UKZN, DUT, Transnet Maritime School of Excellence, SAAMBR facilitated Maritime teachers training course last year, as an intervention to capacitate maritime teachers.

It was light, camera, pose and all smiles...when the teachers received their certificates of attendance.

Ms Thato Tsautse, MD of EMC, fondly dubbed EMC "Omabizwasabele" meaning those who readily respond when called. She reflected on the role of the EMC as a progressive initiative whose purpose is to leave a legacy. She said one day a book will be written and "we will all say this is where it all started, we are the ones who started it". She went on to commend all teachers and programme partners for their selflessness, grateful that they positively responded to their 'calling' and became effective players in our country's Blue Economy.

Professor Trevor Jones, EMC board member and representing UKZN, reiterated the overall affirmative sentiment by saying that the Training and Skills Development Programme has been an interesting journey. He mentioned that even more interesting is the way forward in maritime studies, as we look forward to further developments on tertiary level.

Representing the department of Education, Dr H.N. Hlongwa (Chief Education Specialist: Maths and Sciences), applauded the relationship the EMC and partners have with the department, through this programme learners are continuously exposed to what is happening in the industry. He cited the introduction of Maritime studies as an antidote for our youth's unemployment. "We are indebted to EMC and partners", he added.

Coordinator for Business Commerce and Management subjects and Maritime Education, Mrs SithembisoTshabalala noted that the Department of Education is grateful and value the partnership between the EMC and other stakeholders for providing capacitation to Marine Economics teachers. "The information gained benefitted learners, it is evident through the improvement of results in Maritime Economics at Matric - Grade 12 level", she beamed.

Feedback from the participating teachers was similarly impassioned, with resounding gratitude for the partnership between the private and public sectors. "Thank you EMC, for being there for us. It has been a wonderful journey, a joyful ride", Mr LuvuyoNkani, Educator at J.G. Zuma High School pointed out. He carried on to say "I'm doing this, not necessarily for myself, but for the black child. A child who depends on an educated educator, who is thirsty for information from an informed source".

One could not help but feel a sense of commitment to the journey, when Ms Thato Tsautse closed the first half of the gathering by asking "What is it that we can do to make your teaching maritime subjects a little easier?". With that question posed, everyone present settled down to chart the way forward.

Needless to say, our Blue Economy is in the right hands, the future looks bright...in blue!