A milestone in maritime education

Celebrating three decades of success

SOUTH AFRICA: Guests that included some of the initiators and sponsors of the iconic high school maritime training initiative gathered at the Labia yesterday in Cape Town to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Lawhill Maritime Academy.

The vision to create an introduction to the maritime industry at high school level saw the establishment of the Lawhill Academy in Simon’s Town at the end of November 1995. Since then the centre, which is attached to the Simon’s Town High School, has changed the lives of countless youngsters – many of whom have found lucrative careers within the sector.

Speaking at yesterday’s celebration, Professor Jonathan Jansen, noted how Lawhill had managed to create a genuine link between education and industry. It’s one of the major factors that has secured its success.

Relaying an anecdote of how the associations created within old-boy networks at established private schools have helped school leavers from middle and upper-class families gain a foothold in the workplace, Prof Jansen emphasised how Lawhill has recreated similar opportunities for youngsters who would never been afforded such a benefit.

He also singled out how the teachers and staff at Lawhill have woven a value system into the daily interactions they have with their learners. This, he believes, is a crucial element that is often missed in education. His strong views on mutual respect and the need to instil values are just some of the reasons why he has connected with Lawhill and become a vocal supporter.

Heather Cooper, Director of Grants for the TK Foundation in South Africa spoke about her involvement with both the TK Foundation and Lawhill. With a partnership of some 25 years, she noted that the sponsorship of the Lawhill Academy is one of the cornerstones of the TK Foundation’s investment in South Africa.

Echoing many of the professor’s sentiments, she emphasised that the centre’s success was anchored in the people behind it as well as the fact that the maritime sector has remained committed to its overall success through mentorship and fundraising.

The highlight of the celebration was a short documentary that aimed to capture Lawhill’s overall ethos. The film incorporated input from some of the longstanding supporters and initiators of the project including Dr Peter Manser, Brian Ingpen, Captain Godfrey Schlemmer, Debbie Owen, Abrie and Heilie Visser. It was a admirable initiative to provide an historic overview of the last three decades.

With a sprinkling of the alumni in the audience and more captured on film, it is clear that the education provided by the institution has helped establish a new generation of maritime professionals. This, together with their continued commitment to maintaining their relevance to the industry that they serve, will see an interest in the maritime sector fostered in future generations.

PHOTO: Dr Peter Manser, the former principal at Simon’s Town High School with  Debbie Owen and Bring Inpen who have both been instrumental in the successful development on the Lawhill Maritime Academy. (© Maritime Review Africa)

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