FEATURE
UKSA CEO Ben Willows and Dee Caffari
Charity that helps
turn lives around
World-renowned sailor and UKSA Ambassador Dee Caffari MBE was on hand to help build awareness of the Cowes based-charity UKSA at a dinner at the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron in May . Dee , who in 2006 became the first woman to sail solo around the world the wrong way and non-stop , is a former graduate and a passionate believer in UKSA ’ s work . Most recently , she completed her fifth round-the-world trip , in the 2014 / 15 Volvo Ocean Race with all-female crew - Team SCA . Dee inspired guests with her UKSA career-change story , describing how she made the transition from teacher to record-breaking yachtswoman . UKSA Trustee William Garnett , a senior partner in a leading city law firm , hosted the event to share UKSA ’ s story and describe the powerful impact the charity ’ s work has on young people . William explained : “ People often have the misconception that UKSA is just a training centre , because they launch so many careers every year in the maritime industry . This was what inspired me to host an evening at The Royal Yacht Squadron , to help change that misconception . It was a real privilege to show people what I have seen first-hand , and to explain the difference UKSA ’ s charity work makes to young people on the Island and beyond .” UKSA Young Ambassador Danieka Jerram from Ryde spoke to guests about her UKSA journey and how the charity has helped turn her life around . Danieka explained : “ Before I came to UKSA I was homeless and didn ’ t have any sense of direction . I completed their Unlocking Potential course and it has turned my life around . I received a
bursary and my training at UKSA , and I now love my work as a water sports instructor . My dream is to work abroad next year .” UKSA ’ s Year 6 Test the Water programme is offered to every child aged 10 – 11 on the Isle of Wight at the most critical stage of their life , and to date this has reached 2,200 children . A sum of £ 40,000 will continue to deliver this successful programme to the 40 primary schools on the Island , and UKSA is looking for interested parties to support the new cohort of students . UKSA ’ s centre in Cowes provides a unique environment and transformational opportunities for everyone . As such , it was able to offer valuable work skills and life skills to more than 10,000 young people who were welcomed through the doors in the 2015 / 16 financial year .
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