PROJECT CONNECT
April 2026
ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ!
Happy Easter!
To: The Shipping and Educational Communities – Καλό μήνα!
Across Oceans, Across Hearts – A Lesson in Humanity
A genuine connection with seafarers. As ongoing conflict affects key shipping routes, the ships adopted by our pupils are no longer just case studies but homes to real people facing uncertainty. Their letters have evolved as well. Once focused on weather, cargo, and daily life on board, they now carry messages of encouragement, hope, and solidarity. Pupils write to uplift—sending kind words, prayers, and reassurance to crews far from home.
This program has become a powerful lesson in empathy and global citizenship, showing our pupils that behind every ship is a human story—and that even small acts of kindness can travel far.
8th Voyage in Progress : Adopt a Ship Teachers General Assembly
Our Adopt a Ship educational community met online with representatives from our Member shipping companies and Rear Admiral (HN Ret.) Athanasios Makris, Director of the Office of the Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs, Mr. Stefanos Gkikas. The discussion reaffirmed Adopt a Ship™ as a meaningful collaboration between education and the maritime sector, grounded in the real exchanges between teachers and captains. As a program deeply rooted in the educational system, it continues to open pathways for students—inviting them to explore, understand, and engage with a sector that shapes both national identity and global development. Through this shared commitment, we bring young people closer to the maritime world in a purposeful, pedagogical way.
Mr Makris highlighted the holistic nature of the Adopt a Ship program, stating, “The sea represents communication, extroversion, trade, culture, freedom and spirit. All these elements are reflected in Adopt a Ship. What better starting point than education and young citizens, who often experience the sea only seasonally? This is a reality that must also reach inland communities, beyond the islands — to help young people understand the maritime world, feel inspired and recognize that it offers a meaningful and evolving professional pathway worth considering. For this reason, Adopt a Ship stands as a strong example of how such an initiative can function holistically. We encourage companies to offer these opportunities, as they create added value that benefits all.”
“Γειά σου Ελλάδα”: Adopt a Ship Penpalling Program
We are excited to announce that our Adopt a Ship pupils community has been actively involved in an exchange of letters between Arsakeio school in Athens and Plato Academy in Florida. Pupils shared their daily experiences and routines while practicing their Greek and English and forging friendship bridges across the ocean.
“We are grateful to the “Adopt A Ship” program by Project Connect for doing what a good vessel always does: closing the distance between two distant shores. Because of their work, our students in Tampa and students in Athens are no longer strangers separated by an ocean. They are pen pals, exchanging words and curiosity in the same language. Adopt A Ship built that bridge, and our students walked right across it.”
Episode 3
«Πίστη & Ζωή στη Νέα Γενιά»
with Katerina Argyri & moderator Panandreas Hytounas
Tune in your children! Share their “good news” stories with us — just e-mail to communications@project-connect.gr
Our Member University, METROPOLITAN COLLEGE, students and our CV-HR PLATFORM candidates are invited to a professional readiness seminar :
“My Success Story in Shipping: How Project Connect helps me to navigate it?”
INTERNATIONAL GUEST SPEAKERS from the Shipping & Business Worlds
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 17:00–20:00 hours
“Melina Merkouri” Auditorium, Metropolitan College, Marousi Campus
For more details contact events@project-connect.gr
As a proud supporter of the ESG Shipping Awards, we invite you to be part of shipping’s ESG night of the year!
Join the ESG Shipping Awards International 2026 Ceremony & Gala Dinner on Friday, 15 May 2026, at Asteria Glyfada [DOMUS], Athens, Greece.
An international gathering of leaders from across the global maritime industry, celebrating ESG excellence, innovation and impact.
Secure your seat or table today: https://esgshippingawards.com
“Adopt a Ship™: How Early Education is Shaping the Future of Shipping”
Conference
June 4, 2026, 16:45-18:30
@ Seminar Room 2B
