MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Afrishore Shipping, based in Mossel Bay, invited the Oceans Research Foundation "Sea the Change" students to talk to its employees this week at its rigging warehouse in Bland Street, about their marine skills and outreach programme.
Sophu Qoma, the Oceans Research Outreach officer, who mentors the Sea the Change learners, outlined how she got into conservation, her role in community education and how she helped develop this community marine-related skills programme.
"From knowing comes caring and from caring comes change. Also, communications skills are vital to change people's perceptions and habits.
This opportunity to share and inform at Afrishore, will build our young marine conservationists' confidence' and build bridges with industry".
Sophu went on to say: "It has been a tough time for the youngsters, with the recent stabbings at Indwe High School. It is more important than ever to engage with learners to give them hope and support".
She also encourages local businesses, schools and families to join Sea the Change in their drive to organise and collaborate an International Coastal Clean-up effort, planned for 21 September on Mossel Bays' Blue Flag beaches and in KwaNonqaba.
"The ocean unifies our world like nothing else and saving it from ongoing threats is a cause that affects us all."
Afrishore CEO Shirley Schmidt said: "The oil and gas industry often has negative connotations, but Afrishore wishes to change these perceptions by investing in programmes with identified students, such as the Oceans Research programme.
"We liked the Sea the Change programme's practical approach to training youngsters from the community. We look forward to supporting them and seeing what impact these young people can have."
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