The Lawhill Maritime Studies programme, a South African educational programme wholly-funded by the shipping industry and pioneered by shipping line Safmarine, has been awarded the international Seatrade Investment in People prize at a ceremony in London, UK.

The award was presented to Brian Ingpen, head of the Simon’s Town-based Lawhill Maritime Centre, by IMO secretary general, Koji Sekimizu, recognising the initiative'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.

Speaking from London, Brian Ingpen paid tribute to all those who had supported the programme for the past 17 years, particularly those organisations and individuals who have provided bursaries which made it possible for 'financially-stressed young South Africans' to obtain a quality education.

'The Lawhill programme has made, and continues to make, a real and visible difference in the lives of many young South Africans and we, as Safmarine, are immensely proud to be associated with this programme,' said Safmarine chief executive Grant Daly.

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