On Monday, 14 May 2012, the Lawhill Maritime Studies programme won the international Seatrade ‘Investment in People’ Award in London.
The award – presented to Brian Ingpen, head of the Simon’s Town-based Lawhill Maritime Centre by IMO Secretary-General, Koji Sekimizu – recognised Lawhill’s effectiveness in helping to address youth unemployment and poverty in South Africa by providing students with maritime-related skills while they were still at school.
More than 300 young South Africans have graduated from the programme since its inception, many of them pursuing successful careers in the maritime industry, both ashore and at sea, while others have made their mark in other industries. Recently, the TK Foundation, an affiliate of the Teekay Tanker Corporation, was the major sponsor of a new building to house both the teaching facilities and accommodation for 52 young people from all over South Africa.
Speaking from London, Brian Ingpen paid tribute to all those who have supported the programme for the past 17 years, particularly those organisations and individuals who have provided bursaries which has made it possible for financially-stressed young South Africans to obtain a quality education.
Established in 1989, the Seatrade Awards is one of the most respected and recognised global maritime award schemes. This year’s judging panel was chaired by IMO Secretary-General, Koji Sekimizu who presented the award to Brian Ingpen.
