In Cape Verde, School of the Sea launches Feira Azul
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Expresso das Ilhas
Illustrative image · Rob Mowe · Pexels · Licence PexelsCape Verde’s School of the Sea is launching Feira Azul 2026 in secondary schools on São Vicente island to attract young people to maritime professions. Its president, Nilton Silva, said the institution already has an 87% employment rate among more than 4,600 former trainees, according to Expresso das Ilhas.
The School of the Sea of Cape Verde (EMAR) launched Feira Azul 2026 on Tuesday in São Vicente to bring maritime training closer to pupils and encourage young people to choose careers linked to the sea. Organised this year in several secondary schools on the island under the theme “O Mar de Oportunidades”, the event is due to continue throughout the week, reports Expresso das Ilhas.
EMAR has already carried out more than 200 training activities involving more than 4,600 people, with an employment rate of 87%, according to its president of the board of directors, Nilton Silva. The institution wants to adapt its training to the needs of the national and international markets and attract foreign operators to São Vicente.
Nilton Silva said that a German company had offered assistance with training and wanted to invest in young people trained by EMAR. Three Portuguese operators are also due to travel to São Vicente in January to recruit young seafarers, he said. Training covers, among other professions, seafarer, maritime driver, foreman, fishing, ship maintenance, aquaculture and fish processing.
After their training, professionals undergo an international certification procedure with the Maritime and Port Institute (IMP), whose certificates are recognised abroad under bilateral agreements, according to Nilton Silva. Feira Azul is due to visit the Jorge Barbosa, Escola Técnica, José Augusto Pinto and Ludgero Duarte schools during the week, reports Expresso das Ilhas.
