Oceans for Everyone provides educational, fun boating experiences for children
Published:Wednesday | August 24, 2022 | 12:06 AM
THIRTY-TWO children from across the island were given an educational tour of Port Royal and Maiden Cay by Oceans for Everyone Inc, a non-governmental organisation that provides boating experiences to Jamaican children.
Captain Rayon Carruthers, founder and chairman of Oceans For Everyone Inc, said that the aim of the tour, which took place on August 12, was to expose children to boating and the sea in a format that educates, encourages and excites them about the possibilities that exists in the field.
The organisation has been offering boating experiences to Jamaican children at no cost since 2017. Carruthers said that the programme has served to enrich the educational experiences of the many Jamaican children who have participated, while fostering good character building. “The goal is to create an opportunity and give it to them. I think that it, in and of itself, will show them they live in a world that in some way cares about them and is looking out for them,” he explained.
Through the programme, Oceans for Everyone Inc offers customised boating tours that are centred on fun and education about boating and sea exploration for small groups of children. There are also demonstrations and activities by the captain and crew. The intention is to build a platform for all kids to discover boating, learn the craft, gain new experiences, build new skills and self-confidence while having fun, said Carruthers.
“I think it is our responsibility to create a world that is easier for kids where they have more opportunities to see things and have more experiences that are going to boost their existence and to help them in their development because they are going to develop one way or another, but I think it is our responsibility that as they develop they have experiences that are going to put them in a better position to just be happy,” he noted.
Five-year-old Adam Miller, who went on the trip, was elated after his first experience on the boat. “I enjoyed it. I was given a chance to also steer the boat and that was exciting for me,” he said.
His mother Joanne Walker, who accompanied him, said the trip provided a great experience for her son, which should pique his interest at an early age to explore unconventional career options.
“It was a great experience. I would recommend it to parents. It is great exposure for children as they will know that there are other career options other than from being a doctor, nurse, police or soldier. They can be a captain of a ship or even a marine biologist,” she noted.