MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A Youth Leadership Course is taking place on Thursday, 1 May, at the Indoor Sport Centre in Sampson Street, Mossel Bay. It is free to attend.
The purpose of the free event, organised by the iOcean Investment Trust, in partnership with the Wonderful Foundation and Mossel Bay Municipality, is to build skills, recognise emerging talent and empower young people to take active roles in their communities.
This is according to Andrea Bradfield, the director of iOcean, which partners with relevant entities to uplift the youth in the Mossel Bay area.
For more information on the coming event on Thursday, contact Bradfield on 082 077 8702.
The iOcean Investment Trust joined hands with the Skipper Foundation to host an inspiring coastal day for local youth, filled with "hands-on ocean experiences, learning new skills and a spirit of adventure", Bradfield said. The event took place on 19 April.
Bradfield said: "The group had a fantastic time engaging with the ocean through paddle boarding and kayaking.
"More importantly, they took their first steps into marine stewardship, learning what it means to be a citizen scientist.
"Special thanks go to marine guide Ilizna du Plessis, who gave tips on how to log biodiversity data - perfectly timed ahead of the City Nature Challenge South Africa, which took place from 25 to 28 April."
In support of this global initiative, iOcean Trust youth attended the Conservation Day at the Mossel Bay Town Hall on Saturday, 26 April, where they shared information about the iNaturalist app and how the public can get involved in mapping local biodiversity.
Bradfield said: "We’re especially proud to celebrate Jordan du Plessis' becoming a qualified sailing instructor. He has emerged as a remarkable young leader in just two months.
"When we first met him, he knew he wanted to sail but he had no idea where to start. I was able to connect him with the right training pathway through the Skipper Foundation."
Bradfield noted that Jordan was mentored by the Skipper Foundation's Rob Holden, who has been involved with sailing at a global level for thirty years.
"Jordan’s progress is proof of what’s possible with the right support; we hope his story inspires other young people to follow a similar path.
"From learning to leading and from paddles to potential careers aboard cruise ships and super yachts; that’s the journey we’re aiming to enable."
Bradfield said that as part of iOcean's mission, she was working to mentor recently qualified marine guides, such as Ilizna, by encouraging more youth engagement to build their confidence and leadership skills in the field.
She encourages the youth to download the iNaturalist app and be part of recording and conserving South Africa's flora and fauna. See www.inaturalist.org/places/south-africa.
Above and below: The iOceans youth at the town hall on Saturday, 26 April.
Below: The iOceans youth had a get-together with The Surfer Kids NPO at The Point on Saturday after the conservation awareness event.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
