Boundless energy a huge advantage

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Oceans Research, through their latest community and youth development program, is breaking new ground thanks to the enthusiasm of a young woman who seems to have boundless energy.

Sophumelela Qoma heads up Oceans Research's Sea the Change marine employability programme, which was launched at Indwe Secondary School last Friday.

Sophu didn't quite know exactly what she wanted to study. However, the one thing she knew without a doubt, is that whatever she decides to do with her life, it needs to take her outdoors. She completed her matric in the Eastern Cape in 2010 and upon exploring a prospectus, nature conservation caught her eye.

An unfortunate administration issue, delayed her plans to start studying until 2014. "I did odd jobs to keep going, but having to wait didn't sidetrack me. Actually my curiosity about conservation grew."

Taking up her studies at NMMU in George truly broadened her horizons, but it wasn't without struggle. "I took extra English lessons to learn how to write and speak properly. You see normal English, isn't 'conservation' English," she explains. No obstacle however made her lose speed and she believes it all contributed to the person she is today. In fact, it enabled her to do her work current work at Indwe.

Legacy project
Sophu joined Oceans Research in December 2017. She laughs as she explains that she didn't know much about marine conservation, but says Director of Research at Oceans Research, Dr Enrico Gennari, Sophu's energy landed her a heads up from the get go.

"In 2018, I tasked Sophu to come up with ideas on how we can, as an organisation, practically impact the community in view of a legacy for the future," says Gennari. Thus came about the outreach to Indwe Secondary School whereby matrics studying science were exposed to different study techniques in lieu of the final matric exam. Positive feedback from the pass results, gave the cue to expand the programme.

This year, the Sea the Change marine employability programme is set to identify four students who will undergo basic skills development including learning to swim, lifeguard as well as first aid training.

"We believe that if we can expose young people to employment options within the world of conservation, we also instil in them the passion to conserve," says Gennari.

Learners at Indwe are currently undergoing a selection process to participate in the programme. "Further training is also in the cards and well into the development phase," Gennari confirms. "We are welcoming other organisations or service providers that can somehow contribute financially or with their time to this legacy project to join our effort."

Sophu says that it is heart-warming to see the interest shown by learners at Indwe. "We are in a great position to empower these young people. And what is more, I can talk from my own experience."

For more information, contact sophu@oceans-research.com.

Sophumelela Qoma.