Catholic seafarers’ charity Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) has launched new resources for schools in time for World Fisheries Day on November 21.
AoS director of development John Green said fishermen and fishing continue to provide a vital socio-economic lifeline for many people globally.
“These attractive and engaging resources, written by teachers, will capture the reality of the lives of fishermen, individuals who are so important to our way of life but whom we know very little about,” he said.
The resources were produced in association with Ten Ten Theatre, and are aimed at children in Key Stages 2 and 3. The material provides an insightful and candid look into the lives and work of fishermen and how AoS provides them with practical and pastoral support when needed.
AoS’ port chaplain in Blyth, Sunderland and Tyne, Paul Atkinson, is currently supporting two fishermen who were rescued after their trawler sank in the North Sea earlier this month.
The men are from the vessel Ocean Way FR 349. The ship’s captain lost his life in the incident and two other crew members are still missing, presumed dead.
Besides providing practical and pastoral care to fishermen, AoS has also strongly condemned the growing problem of trafficking and exploitation in fishing.
The Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, which coordinates the activities of AoS worldwide, has asked the charity’s global network to renew their commitment to establish a significant presence in fishing ports and develop programmes to make fishers and their families an integral part of the local Churches’ community.
It also urges AoS to petition governments to ratify the Work in Fishing Convention (2007) C 188 which when enforced, will help protect and guard fishers against exploitation, abuse, human trafficking and forced labour.
In a report this month, The Financial Times reported that last year, 3% of forced labour victims came from the fishing industry, though the real numbers could be much higher. The paper said victims most often come from Eastern Europe, Ghana and the Philippines.
According to the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture Report 2014, the sector employs more than 58 million people worldwide. More than 25% of the world’s dietary protein is provided by fish and over 100 million metric tons of fish is consumed annually.
AoS’ new schools resources are available to download for free at www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/resources-schools
Each lesson follows a simple structure and includes clear objectives and learning outcomes. It has been designed around the national curriculum and gives students the opportunity to learn about fisheries and fishermen and how the Apostleship of the Sea is helping to support them worldwide.
