As part of the EThekwini Maritime Cluster mandate to stimulate the maritime, EMC implemented the Welcome to Water Programme on 28 August 2021. This curriculum of enhancement for child’s education enrichments was designed for boys and girls from township backgrounds to be introduced to water sports. Furthermore, bringing this city’s residents closer to our beautiful coastline with wonderful water sports available all year round. This initiative breaks historical barriers of not being able to access the coastlines, especially for people in township areas.

EMC launched its very first water sports programme in 2021, the target being 20 learners from maritime subject offering high schools within the EThekwini region. Ensuring more female, youth participation in the maritime industry, 15 girls and 5 boys were selected by EMC to participate in this programme.

Throughout the 8 months of splendid learning, exploring and constant exchange of knowledge the group of learners completed their course in record time. This particular program consisted of three different aspects, swimming, rowing, and sailing. Having limited time, which is during the weekend, Sail Africa the selected facilitator for the program managed to cover several activities with the learners and received excellent results as learners who attended and participated were issued certificates of attendance for each course. 

Encompassing a variety of activities available in the marina and the harbour, swimming was the first part where the learners got to learn the basics of water safety and floating. Following the swimming course, the learners attended a rowing course, where they learned to sweep (A basic skill in rowing). Two of the learners that completed the course will receive funding to continue rowing with the Durban Rowing Club.

The programme concluded with the EMC MINI REGATTA which is part of the sailing aspect. As a mini race and test of skills, the EMC MINI REGATTA had four (4) schools participating in the race: Vukuzakhe High School, Margot Fonteyn High School, JG Zuma High School, and Umkhumbane Secondary School.

The race results were as follows: Umkhumbane Secondary School Sailed its way to a winning position becoming the gold medalist and was handed the EMC Regatta trophy. JG Zuma Secondary School came in second place, receiving the silver medal. Vukusakhe High School and Margot Fonteyn High School were in the third position, receiving bronze medals.

Through participating in this programme, the learners have acquired additional life skills that can be applied in their daily lives. Running after-school programmes assists in keeping the children occupied and doing something constructive that will add value to their lives. Not only do they get to do something constructive they get to learn about the different activities happening in the Port as well as getting to explore more opportunities in maritime. Learning takes place in the classes as well as exposing the learners to the actual environment allowing them to practice what they have been taught in their rowing and sailing classes. It is wonderful to witness the progress of each individual and their eagerness to learn more about the marina and its surroundings

On 09 April 2022, Sail Africa Youth Development hosted a prize-giving at the Point Yacht club (PYC), for the schools that were part of the Welcome to Water Programme. Learners cheerfully received their sailing Level 2 certificates and medals after completing the course.