Sea Cadets to instill important life skills

TWO learners from Uitenhage recently joined the Sea Cadets and have already advanced to being Basic Seaman.

Caleb Malgas (15) from Uitenhage High School and Devon Niekerk (13) from Seagull Primary School respectively joined the Cadets during January and February. The Sea Cadets are based in Port Elizabeth and the base, a victorian style double storey building next to Humewood Road, is treated as a ship. They cater for young cadets from the age of 12 years until they leave school.

The three year course is about steadily building a new generation of sailors, instilling in them important skills and solid values that will assist the young in living a meaningful life.

Youngsters have to complete courses and training to progress through a ranking system and as individuals they are taught valuable practical life skills.

The activities include swim training, sailing, hiking and rowing. They meet every Friday night from 18:45 to 21:45 and the cadets programme is voluntary.

• For more information regarding the Sea Cadets contact Lieutenant Gert van Staden at 082 660 0043. - HEILIE COMBRINCK