Port of Cork’s Schools Initiative Looks At Cork’s Trade Connections To World Markets

Previous winners of the school’s initiative, Glasheen Boys National School, on board the MV Independence of the Seas. Picture: Port Of Cork

Calling all 5th Class Teachers – Win a Free Boat Trip around Cork Harbour for your class The Port of Cork has launched their Schools Initiative for 2014 and is encouraging all 5th class primary school teachers to get their class involved. This year’s theme ‘Shipping Containers – Cork’s Connection to World Markets’ focuses on the importance of trade between Cork and the World and the important use of shipping containers for importing and exporting cargo. The Port of Cork Schools Initiative aims to educate 5th class primary school children about the rich history associated with Cork Harbour and to highlight the importance of having a local port to facilitate the imports and exports of trade. The initiative also gives children a better understanding of where cargo comes from and how Ireland, as an island depends on Ports for trading. All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork and each class will also receive a certificate of participation. The overall ‘best project’ will receive a tour on board one of the many large cruise liners visiting Cork during the summer of 2014. In addition to this, an award will also be given for ‘best artwork piece’. Speaking about the 2014 theme, Port of Cork Chief Executive Brendan Keating said: “We are thrilled to be launching our ninth Schools Initiative which has gone from strength to strength each year. The theme this year will hopefully encourage school children to study the Port of Cork and our trade connections with world markets and to learn about imports and exports of cargo particularly through shipping containers. As well as our trade links, the school children will learn about the history of the Port of Cork and Cork Harbour.” He continued: “Every year we have up to twenty schools participating and we hope this year we will have the same or more. This is an educational initiative open to primary schools in the Cork City and Harbour area.” Projects are to be presented in artwork format using painting and models. All submitted projects will go on public display in Customs House before the winner is announced in May 2014. Closing date for entries is Friday 11th April 2014. For more information on this year’s schools initiative or to arrange a visit by the Port of Cork to your school, please contact Sara Mackeown, Commercial Dept. Port of Cork Email smackeown@portofcork.ie or call 021 4625375. Related links for this article  Port Of Cork website