Port of Cork Launch Schools Initiative 2013

The Port of Cork have launched their Schools Initiative for 2013 and is calling on all 5th class primary school teachers to get their class involved. This year´s theme `The Gathering 2013 – Cork Harbour – Ireland´s Maritime Gateway to the World´ is celebrating The Gathering and Cork Harbour´s strong links with Irish diaspora, both as a tourism hub today and as a departure point for Irish emigrants in the past.
The Port of Cork Schools Initiative aims to teach 5th class primary school children about the rich history of Cork Harbour and its uses today as a natural harbour, commercial port and excellent leisure amenity. All participating 5th classes who take part in the Port of Cork Schools Initiative will be treated to a boat trip around Cork harbour, compliments of the Port of Cork and each class will also receive a certificate of participation. In addition to the overall prize, awards will also be given for the best artwork piece and best photograph. The overall best project will receive a tour on board one of the many large cruise liners visiting Cork during the summer of 2013.

Speaking about the 2013 theme, Port of Cork Chief Executive Brendan Keating said: “As 2013 is the year of `The Gathering´, we are encouraging classes to think about Cork Harbour and its role as
Ireland´s maritime gateway to the world both as a departure point for emigrants in the past and as a gathering point for tourists today. Cork Harbour has a long association as the departure point for many Irish emigrants in the 1800s and in the 1900s. Now thousands of visitors come into our spectacular harbour on passenger ferries and on cruise liners from all over the world. For many of these tourists, their visit also provides them with the opportunity to see the place that their Irish ancestors departed from so many years ago.”

Projects are to be presented in artwork format using paintings, models or photographs. Submitted projects will go on public display in Customs House before the winner is announced in April 2013. Closing date for entries is March 29 2013.

For more information on this year´s schools project and how to get involved, please contact Sinead Kavanagh, Tel: +21 4625375 or email skavanagh@portofcork.ie.