PHILIPSBURG:--- On November 27th, 2013, the General Director of Milton Peters College (MPC) and Sundial School, Mr. Wim de Visser and the Kidz at Sea Foundation, represented by Mr. Garth Steyn, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to implement Build Your Future for 2014. The agreement outlines their collaboration on the Build Your Future Program to be implemented in both schools in 2014.
The Build Your Future Project started as a joint initiative of St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) and St. Maarten Sailing School. In 2013, Build Your Future was introduced in a limited scale "As part of the Work Experience Program (WEP) at MPC. During its first year, some of the 4th formers of Milton Peters College VSBO-PKL/PBL, Division Carpentry participated in building a small Norwegian-style boat known as a Skerry. The completed vessel was then showcased to the Netherlands Royal Couple during their recent visit to MPC on November 13th. Kidz at Sea Foundation, was then formally established to oversee and grow youth sailing programs on St. Maarten and with help of a generous grant from the SAMENWERKENDE FONDSEN they will be able to do just that.
The MOU states that a minimum of 3 vessels of the Skerry design will be built on the school campuses as part of the offered extracurricular activities; numerous students from each school will be trained as certified crew; and a select group of students will participate in the Heineken Regatta every year. The students will also participate in interscholastic competitions and sailing days in the lagoon on the Skerry vessels that they have built.
These projects have many goals, such as to improve the student's self-confidence, to teach practical team work and problem solving via project based learning; and to expose them to materials and techniques used in the marine industry and the job opportunities that are available there. The projects also teach them a sport that hopefully will become a part of their enjoyment for many years to come. In all aspects, the staff of both schools and Kidz at Sea will work together intensively in order to make it a big success.
Therefore MPC and Sundial thank Mr. Garth Steyn and Mrs. Lorraine Talmi, the directors of Kids at sea, for this great educational opportunity and the schools are looking forward to make these projects integral parts in education.