GDAŃSK SCHOOLS LOOK TO THE SEA by Patryk Rosiński | patryk.rosinski@gdansk.gda.pl
Photo: Dominik Paszliński/www.gdansk.pl The third edition of the Maritime Education Program in Gdańsk has started, the main goal of which is to develop local identity, popularize the maritime tradition and heritage of Gdańsk, develop key competences and shape pro-ecological attitudes. Classes on Optimist boats and sailboats, cruises onboard of Gdańsk oldtimers or training for a yacht sailor’s license. This is only part of the offer of the already launched 3rd edition of the Maritime Education Program in Gdańsk, which has been implemented since 2010. The novelty of this year’s edition is the offer for students with special educational needs. The Maritime Education Program initially assumed the introduction and popularization of the maritime tradition and rich heritage of the city. It was also supposed to be an opportunity to get to know Gdańsk from the water side and learn the basics of sailing. Several-hour-long cruises on the waters of the Port Channel and the Bay of Gdańsk for students of the first grades of junior high schools served this purpose. In 2017, during the 2nd edition, the program was extended to all age groups, from kindergartens to secondary schools. Various activities were carried out on the water: on Optimist class boats, kayaks, rowing boats and cruises on yachts and oldtimers. Additionally, educational activities were started in 127 school Maritime Education Clubs and the National Maritime Museum, courses and training for teachers, as well as day camps and ecological competitions. - The Gdańsk Maritime Education Program is much more than swimming and sailing. It is a matter of identity, because Gdańsk is a port city turned towards the water. However, to actually experience it, we must encourage children and their parents to swim and sail from an early age - says Monika Chabior, Deputy Mayor of Gdańsk for Social Development and Equal Treatment. 6
In the third edition of the program that has just started, the main educational goal is to develop local identity, popularize the maritime tradition and heritage of Gdańsk, develop key competences and shape pro-ecological attitudes. The health goals of this program have also been set: promoting sport, active ways of spending free time by the water and on the water, as well as prevention and health promotion of the young generation through water sports and a healthy lifestyle. Program participants take part in stationary educational classes adapted to age groups, i.e. meetings with a sailor, a water sports master, and educational classes at the National Maritime Museum. There are also practical classes on the water: on Optimist boats for students in grades 0-3, on sailboats with a departure to the Gdańsk Bay, canoeing / rowing classes, cruises on Gdańsk oldtimers and training for a yacht sailor’s license. - A novelty in our program is equal educational opportunities. This is a new module for children and young people with special educational needs, aimed at kindergartens and special schools. Of course, this is a big challenge for us, but we will cope with it - assures Michał Rychlicki, the implementer of the Maritime Education Program in Gdańsk. - This year we want to conduct classes for over 4,000 people. More information: https://www.facebook.com/edukacjamorskagdansk/
