The Fundació Joves Navegants: the sailing spirit contributes to education
Inspired by the approach developed by British sailing clubs for troubled youth, a group of enthusiastic sailors in Palma (Balearic Islands) decided to create the Fundació Joves Navegants. Aware of the economic hardship and family difficulties experienced by some of the island’s young people, they wanted to reach out and share their passion for sailing.
Sailing is a way to bring together a group of young people and their instructors in a confined space. It offers an opportunity to teach the basics of community living as well as the importance of respect, trust and helping one another. Participants from ages 14 to 22 are able to discover the joys of sailing while learning about themselves, the group and their surroundings.
The Fundació Joves Navegants organizes various types of outings in the Mediterranean on its sailboat, Galaxie. They include days devoted to discovery and awareness of the importance of sustainability; participation in regattas; and support for training that will enable some of the young participants to contemplate sailing as a source of future employment.
> Fundació Joves Navegants: www.jovesnavegants.org