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0 viewsThe Whisper Boat Building Academy (WBBA) for the deaf in Khayelitsha has won a prestigious international boatbuilding award.
The prize of ± R173.000 will be handed over on 16 November 2010 during the Marine Equipment Trading Show (METS). This annual event takes place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and serves as the meeting ground of boat builders from around the world. The prize forms part of the Design Award Marine Equipment (DAME). “Every contestant who wants to bid for this award has to pay an administrator fee. This total amount will be donated to a charity organisation which has been pre-approved by an international jury panel. This year, they chose us,” says Peter Jacops, the founder of the WBBA.
“Obviously we are extremely happy,” he adds. “This award is very important in many aspects. Firstly, it is a massive international recognition for the work we are doing here in Khayelitsha. Secondly, we are in desperate need of funds. Last year’s recession also affected us so the money will be well spent. We will use it to extend our curriculum and take on more students. We will also invest part of the funds in sourcing and employing interpreters and new teachers, as well as introducing modern technologies.” Jacops, originally from Belgium, started the academy shortly after he arrived in Cape Town in 2004. “As I have a special bond with boats and the ocean I became interested in the local boat building industry. One of the things I noticed was that this growing industry was struggling with a shortage of specific boat building skills,” he recalls. “I also noticed the high levels of unemployment and lack of skills among young people.”
Approximately 40% of young Capetonians between 16 and 25 are unemployed. This figure is much higher compared to the average unemployment figure of ±25 percent for the entire population
“Disabled youngsters have an even bigger problem when it comes to finding work. That is why they often end up weaving baskets or welding barbeques when offered a way to earn money or a skill. Of course there is nothing wrong with that, but to me it is not enough to empower people. A handicap should not prevent someone from obtaining a skill or a trade that high in demand and thus crucial to the economy.”
Jacops is hopeful about the future of his academy. “There is a huge demand for boat builders, and among the poor communities there is a huge demand for work and skills. We are tackling both.”
Earlier this year the WBBA, for its Whisper Ball, won the most innovative product award during the South African Boating awards. The eight-person vessel in the shape of a football is powered by an electric engine and was built by young deaf boat builders. They also build a range of traditional inspired boats which are for sale at the Academy.