Sail Training International Launches Youth Development Fund 2020/21

Sail Training International is pleased to announce the launch of the Youth Development Fund 2020/21, an annual fund provided to support a number of projects fostering youth development.

Launched in 2019, the Youth Development Fund encourages the development of more effective Sail Training programmes for young people from disadvantaged social backgrounds. Its purpose is to support organisations – preferably nonprofit – to deliver Sail Training programmes that will reach young people from а mixture of backgrounds, particularly those from a disadvantaged background and offer one or more of the following:

• Improve trainees’ personal, social, or educational development
• Enhance international friendship and understanding
• Demonstrate replicable models of innovation and good practice in Sail Training

The funding will also achieve one or more of the following:

• Increase the number of young people participating in Sail Training, particularly those who enjoy fewer opportunities
• Encourage a structured approach to the management and outcomes of sail training programmes
• Encourage effective partnerships between sail training operators and other agencies/partners/organisations working with young people over the long term and provide credible evidence of how far the stated outcomes have been achieved

Applications may bе submitted bу sail training operators, schools, National Sail Training Organisations or land­ based agencies/organisations or individuals working with young people.

Applicants are likely to be non-profit bodies working for public benefit and exempt from tax, but exceptional proposals from commercial companies may be considered.

We received some fantastic submissions in 2019 and awarded the funds to four inspiring projects from Sail Training Association Latvia, Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, Sail Training Association of Queensland and Challenge Wales.

Sail Training Association Latvia

Sail Training Association Latvia (STA Latvia) organises the programme “Latvian Winds’ Tribe”. The programme aims to engage with young people from remote Latvian areas and bring them meaningful leisure time activities that will improve the level of inclusivity within Sail Training provided by STA Latvia.

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation receives funding for their programme delivering Sail Training experiences to drought affected communities. The programme will take young men and women from severely drought affected areas to participate in a seven day voyage on the Sail Training Ship Leeuwin II in March 2020 sailing from Albany to Fremantle.

Sail Training Association of Queensland

Sail Training Association of Queensland will undertake an eight day voyage for a combined group of 22 Japanese and Australian youths. By bringing together young people from different cultures, this voyage will offer the benefits of a traditional sailing experience and help those taking part to develop an understanding of foreign cultures. This an opportunity not readily available for two island nations.

Challenge Wales

Challenge Wales have received funding for their Stepping Stones programme – six one and a half day accredited voyages aimed at disadvantaged 14 – 25 year olds and those struggling to enter the workforce. Each trainee will have an opportunity to gain accreditation in teamwork (through Agored Cymru), have the opportunity to make new friends and develop confidence through Sail Training activities.

THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND 2020 IS NOW CLOSED. THE NEXT ROUND OF FUNDING, AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY, WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.