Program Description
Adopt a Ship™, Project Connect’s flagship program, brings the bridge of a vessel directly into the classroom. It holistically immerses children into maritime culture from a young age, turning pupils into fellow travelers on global voyages. By “adopting” a ship for the duration of a school year, pupils engage in a unique exchange of letters and insights with the Captain and crew, making the vast world of shipping a tangible and exciting part of their weekly curriculum.
Through this immersive experience, pupils gain first-hand knowledge of life at sea. They learn core subjects such as Geography, History, English and Math as they “travel” alongside the crew, tracking the vessel’s voyage on a world map, discovering different cultures, and understanding the vital role of the maritime sector. It is more than just a lesson; it is a journey that fosters empathy, curiosity, and a deep-rooted connection to the sea and the people that serve it.
Background
Originally launched in 2006 by CSI and CYMEPA, the rights to the Adopt a Ship™ program were given to Project Connect™ beginning its first voyage in Greece in 2018. As of April 2026, Adopt a Ship™ has successfully completed 8 complete voyages, connecting over 30,000 pupils in primary, junior high, and vocational (EPAL) schools across Greece and abroad with over 500 Captains and crews, and exchanging more than 4,000 letters.
As a top-tier ESG initiative, the program is a powerful tool for social responsibility, effectively covering 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It operates with the prestigious endorsement of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Shipping, and is under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family.
How it Works
The program is seamlessly integrated into the existing school curriculum (covering subjects such as Geography, History, Maths, English, and Music). It provides an efficient and effective teaching tool to inform students about:
Life Onboard: The daily routines, challenges, and rewards of the seafaring profession.
Cargo & Commerce: Understanding what ships carry and how global trade sustains our world.
Geography & Culture: Real-time navigation and learning about the world’s diverse nations.
Our Goals
Highlight Contributions: To showcase the essential role seafarers and shipping companies play in global society.
Enrich Knowledge: To enhance students’ understanding of commerce, culture, and the shipping industry.
Inspire the Next Generation: To offer young people the inspiration and orientation needed to pursue a rewarding maritime career.