As a part of our support for the world of Sail Training, we’re pleased to be able to offer the Youth Development Fund, an annual fund provided to support a range of projects aimed at helping youth development.
One of the recipients of the fund in 2019 was Leeuwin Ocean Adventure, a not-for-profit organisation based in Freemantle which has helped over 40,000 young people on Australia’s largest Sail Training ship, STS Leeuwin II. They received €5,000 to support their Drought Affected Communities project.
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure’s program focused on delivering Sail Training experiences to drought affected communities. The programme took young people from severely drought affected areas to participate in a seven-day voyage with the aim of developing personable skills that would complement their academic experience.
Originally scheduled for early 2020, the unique project hit seismic challenges that led to delay. Vast drought-stricken Western areas were the subject of historic wild fires that destroyed over 2 million hectares of land in the early months of the year, and then came the global COVID-19 pandemic, a once in a lifetime event that continues to have a devasting impact around the world.
The Programme
With the original voyages cancelled, Leeuwin Ocean Adventure were able to complete the project across three voyages between December 2020 and Arpil 2021, placing four sponsored recipients across the voyages.
The first voyage sailed from Freemantle and travelled over 300nm WSW past the island of Rottnest and on to the open water. With excellent wind conditions and a friendly crew of similar aged young people, the recipient was able to build confidence and engage his outgoing spirit, whilst also developing a keen interest in a maritime career.
The second voyage saw two sponsored recipients join a crew of young people from the South West of Western Australia. Over a 250nm voyage they were able to fully engage with all aspects of sailing the ship, taking great value from the experience, and working with their fellow trainees to achieve a greater goal.
An 8-day voyage from Freemantle to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shark Bay, saw the final fund recipient join STS Leeuwin II for a 529nm experience. Once again, the diverse composition of the crew had a positive impact. Engaging fully with the experience, the recipient flourished and found special recognition as they were appointed Chief Officer by their peers for the voyage.
“From Leeuwin Ocean Adventure’s perspective, this grant provided an excellent opportunity for us to highlight its membership of national and international organisations committed to youth development through sail training.”
Carol Shannon, CEO Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation
Following each voyage, recipients received a Certificate of Achievement for their participation in the programme which, through Leeuwin Ocean Adventure’s status as an endorsed program provider through Western Australia’s education department, will contribute to their ongoing secular education.
Creating a Positive Legacy
The programme had a substantial impact on the young people taking part and the follow up highlighted this life changing impact. The Youth Development Fund award provided an excellent opportunity to welcome more disadvantaged young people aboard that would not normally be able to take part in such a transformative and life experience.
Supporting Sail Training Around the world
Beyond the Tall Ships Races, Sail Training International works closely with the world’s sail training Tall Ships, national sail training organisations and host ports to help young people benefit from the sail training experience. In addition, we regularly organise seminars, fund research and publications relating to the benefits of experiential learning through sail training to young people, and much more.
Every year we continue to be moved, motivated and inspired by the difference participating in sail training makes to young people’s lives. We see young people from all environments, and particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, grow in confidence, rise to challenges, overcome fears, make lifelong friends and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. Some of the young people we help go on to enjoy careers in the maritime sector whilst others draw on their experience to make their way in the world with their newly acquired confidence and skills.
As we approach our 65th year in an ever changing world, we would like to invite individuals and organisations who believe in young people and whose values resonate with ours to support the work we do.
Donate
Help us to continue our vital work in developing young people and promoting international friendship and understanding through a donation with the Charities Aid Foundation.
Funding and Bursaries
Find out more about the different bursaries and funds we provide and how to apply.
