Adopt a Ship, Hellas
Description
The “Adopt a Ship” program connects primary school pupils with seafarers, aiming to educate youngsters about the seafaring profession and the maritime sector. This innovative program involves the adoption of a vessel by a primary school class for one academic year. Throughout this period, pupils communicate with the crew weekly and gain first-hand knowledge of life at sea by sharing their experiences. Students get the opportunity to "travel" with the crew by tracking their voyage on a world map and engaging in interactive learning activities.
Subject Areas
The program is addressed to fourth, fifth and sixth graders and is introduced in the context of different courses (e.g. history, geography, music), aiming to inform students about:
- Life onboard vessels
- Cargo carried by ships
- Trading patterns
- Geography
Goals
- Highlight the importance of the contributions seafarers and shipping companies make to the world and society
- Enhance students’ knowledge about seafarers, ships, shipping, geography, culture and commerce
- Offer opportunities to the young generation to pursue a maritime career
Guide to the Program (English / Greek)
How to enroll:
Classroom Materials
Every classroom receives: Vessels Info Book, World Map, Captain's Hat

and link to History Greek Shipping history info
Greek Shipping Miracle - Online Maritime MuseumHistory
2006: The “Adopt a Ship” program is initiated by the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSI) and the Cyprus Maritime Environmental Protection Association(CYMEPA)
2017: The program expands to the Philippines, Poland and India
2018: PROJECT CONNECT establishes “Adopt a Ship” in the world’s largest ship-owning nation, Greece, and receives authorization from the Hellenic Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs and the Hellenic Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy
2019: Project Connect and Life at Sea join forces to promote social inclusion and increase awareness on human health and wellbeing onboard vessels
2020: The "Adopt a Ship" program is successfully running in 33 classes of 16 primary schools, with 26 vessels from 14 Greek Shipping Companies.
2020-2021: The "Adopt a Ship" Program, sails its third school year with Panhellenic coverage. Already on board are 25 classes of 11 Elementary Schools with 25 vessels from 12 Greek Shipping Companies..

Tο φυλάττειν τα αγαθά χαλεπώτερον του κτήσασθαι - Δημοσθένης
"To filatin ta agatha halepoteron tou ktisasthe - Demosthenes"
It is more difficult to sustain than to build - Demosthenes
Adopt a Ship schools: 4th, 5th & 6th grade in Piraeus, Keratsini, Korydallos, Nikaia, Perama, Salamina, Hydra, Spetses, Athens College and Psychiko College, Nea Genia Ziridi

Contact us
- 85 Vouliagmeni Ave, Office # 310 (City Plaza), Glyfada, Athens, 16674, Greece
Schools & Vessels Communications AaS School Year 2020-21
6d grade of Psychicko College to Cpt and crew of M/T SKYPOWER Cpt of MV Delta to 4c grade of Athens CollegeAaS Video 2019-20 - Teachers' Testimonials
"Amazing!!! Very good job as expected with such a good organization and communication we have, with the PROJECT CONNECT team."Vasiliki Barkozi, Teacher/School Manager @ 2nd Primary School of Nikaia, Piraeus
Both teachers liked the program, The School Manager, Ms Martinos, saw it and described it as excellent.
Ioanna Athanassopoulou & Magda Kosta, Teachers @ 11th Primary School of Piraeus
"Very descent!! I have shown is to the students and they loved it! I am eager to begin the AaS program on Jan 2021!"