Anyone looking for proof of Endeavour’s success needs only to consider how many of its alumni are now working in the maritime sector.
Its aim then and now: to get young people across the island out on the water sailing, while learning about Steam. That some go on to pursue a career in the industry is a bonus for the charity, which opened its doors in 2015.
“We have about 15 different industry partners we work with: Marine & Ports, marine charities and organisations related to the ocean. What we’re finding is we’re having the next generation of Bermudians involved in the maritime industry through this programme,” said Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s executive director.
“They’re going on to get experience or education and it’s really great to see, when we go to some of these places, that we’ve got alumni working in them. It’s really nice to see Bermudians connect with other Bermudians: ‘Oh, I did that programme a few years ago now look where I am.’”
Endurance is accredited by the Royal Yachting Association in the UK. The lessons come from an international syllabus that teaches sailing fundamentals.
Many students start with the Middle School Programme, a five-day Steam course offered at every public and private school on the island.
“It really is an opportunity for all young people to get that exposure to our waters, and help them to develop that confidence that they need,” Ms Pitcher said.
“A lot of our students, it’s their first time going on the water, being on a boat, so we really start with the basics and both teachers and students report that they do see improvement in these skills.”
Science, technology, engineering, arts and maths are brought in through such concepts as buoyancy, sailing geometry, wind measurement and wind power. Students are taught about ocean sustainability and the need to protect our beaches and reefs from pollution.
The BF&M No Limits Sailing Programme is for public school students ages five and older who are on the autism spectrum or have other developmental challenges.
“The modules might be a little bit different in terms of additional sensory activities but we have received really positive feedback from both parents and teachers,” said Ms Pitcher, who is thrilled that even some of the nonverbal students “are saying words like sailing” and asking when they can return.
Equally impressive is the progress of students who were not confident at the start.
“We have students that are fearful to get on the water in all of our programmes at the beginning – especially if they have any trauma or phobias – and we’re really proud of our team and the students for overcoming these barriers,” Ms Pitcher said.
“By the second day or third day they’re overcoming them and they’re getting on the safety boat, which is our coach boat, or in some cases, they’re getting on a sailboat.
“They’re sailing independently, which just makes my heart burst. It’s just a tremendous transformation.”
The Graduate Programme offers students a chance to further develop their skills and confidence on the water during weekends and school breaks.
“One of the key goals is to really have them get out of their comfort zone not just by getting out in the water, but making new friends with people that they wouldn’t otherwise interact with.”
The Maritime Career Springboard Programme is a seven-week leadership scheme open to students 16 and older.
“The students that come through gain that leadership experience and also they get a sense for: is this something that I want to do? Do I want to be a sailing instructor? Do I like teaching? Do I like coaching? It really is a great opportunity for them.”
For more information on the Endeavour programmes visit www.endeavour.bm
