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Foundation funding sponsors four African female cadets to complete sea time training

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cadets from Sea Shepherd Global pose for group photo

Small grant helps promote gender equality and capacity-building in the African maritime sector.

In late 2023, Lloyd’s Register Foundation awarded a small grant to Sea Shepherd Global to develop and expand its programme sponsoring female maritime cadets from Africa onboard its MY Age of Union and Ocean Warrior vessels.

Through collaborating with Women in Marine Africa (WIMA), WOMESA and local organisations, Sea Shepherd received over 20 applications from aspiring female seafarers. Following an independent selection process, four cadets were sponsored:

  • Tekla Nyambura - Engine Cadet
  • Wangari Gladden Njoroge - Engine Cadet
  • Igoki Elizabeth Mitiithi - Engine Cadet
  • Sandra Daniel - Deck Cadet

This year, Tekla, Wangari, Igoki and Sandra completed their three months onboard Sea Shepherd's vessels, combatting illegal fishing in Africa. During the project, the cadets were asked about their experiences on board the vessel and in the maritime industry more broadly:

 

The project has been a huge success, with two of the four cadets sponsored deciding to stay on with Sea Shepherd Global as paid crew members and a third to return at a later date to complete her cadetship assignment.

Throughout their time onboard, the cadets were paired with a dedicated Chief Engineer or Bridge Officer who helped them to complete their logbook — the contents of which are key to securing a Certificate of Competency (CoC), the legal documentation required to become a fully qualified seafarer. 

Whilst a huge success, the pilot programme also highlighted the substantial barriers facing African women looking to join the seafaring workforce, as potential cadets face further challenges in securing the full 12 months' sea time and the additional funds required for CoC (Certificate of Competency) exams and advanced courses required for commercial work. 

The Lloyd’ Register Foundation small grants programme grants up to £10,000 for organisations to initiate or build partnerships and test out ideas through pilot studies projects and activities across the Foundation’s strategic priority areas. 

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