In the early 1990s, the Propeller Club initiated a scholarship program by sponsoring a single student from an underprivileged family at Don Bosco Technical School, Makati. Since that time the program has grown appreciably and by 2005 the club was sponsoring 10 students at Don Bosco.
In 2005, the Club considered increasing the number of scholars and enhancing the program so that it would ensure the employability of the scholars once they graduated. Currently, the club is supporting 130 students and still recruiting for 25 more starting January 2008.
The Propeller Club of Manila, through the support of the Salvation Army of Australia and AUSAID have enhanced the program and established the Vocational Training Program.
Much like the previous years, the Propeller Club scholars are enrolled in a one year Fitter Machinist (Ship Mechanic) Course which was set up several years ago by Stolt Nielsen Transport Group. The difference can be seen in 3 key areas:
The Club invited applicants and recruited scholars on the basis of a mechanical aptitude test, an English Test and a Medical Exam. From there, scholars were interviewed along with their parents/guardians to assess their willingness to undergo the program and ensure that they would pursue the course.
The second key difference is that scholars undergo a special English class. They are taught for 4 hours every Saturday by Alan Atkins an Australian English teacher. The goal is to get their English speaking, writing and listening abilities to a level 6 on IELTS.
Last but not the least, the scholars are now diligently monitored and provided supplementary trainings and activities that would help motivate them and develop well-rounded personalities. In the 1st semester, these included HIV-AIDS Awareness Training, a museum tour and a Yacht Trip around Manila Bay.
Every year a special dinner auction is held towards the end of October to raise funds for the project. Each member attending the function brings along an item to be auctioned off and substantial funds have been raised over the years as a result of this dinner auction event.
This program has one specific goal: To ensure the scholars employability on board a ship so that they in turn can return something to their families and communities.The Propeller Club sees that this goal is achievable and is a way for young under-privileged to move towards a better life. |
