At the Chios Festival Pioneering Pathways, Irene Notias, Founder & Director of Project ConnectTM, presented the organization's work in connecting education with the maritime industry and creating opportunities for young people to explore careers at sea and ashore.
Established in 2015, Project Connect is a non-profit organization dedicated to preparing the next generation through educational initiatives, industry engagement and experiential learning. The organization operates under the aegis of the Hellenic Ministry of Education, while its educational programs have also been endorsed as well by the Hellenic Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy.
During the presentation, Ms. Notias highlighted the success of Adopt a ShipTM, Project Connect's flagship program that connects students with seafarers and vessels around the world, bringing the realities of maritime life directly into the classroom. The initiative has engaged 573 captains, 389 vessels, 67 shipping companies, 800 teachers and more than 30,000 students, creating meaningful connections between schools and the maritime community.
Particular emphasis was placed on the strong support of the Chian shipping and maritime services community, with 18 shipping companies and 6 maritime service companies actively supporting Project Connect and its mission to inspire future generations. These include leading Chios and Oinousses roots maritime organizations such as Angelicoussis Group, Alpha Tankers, Fafalios Shipping, Lotus Shipping, Carras (Hellas), Chandris (Hellas), Chartworld, Eurobulk, SteelShips, StarBulk, Sun Enterprises, Prime's Bunkerplus, Marine Tours, Ulysses Systems and others.
The presentation also recognized the contribution of Chios schools, whose students and educators have played an active role in the program, helping strengthen the island's long-standing maritime heritage and its connection with future generations. Examples highlighted included schools from Vrontados, Kardamyla and other educational institutions across Chios that have participated in the exchange of letters, knowledge and experiences with seafarers serving onboard vessels around the world.
"By connecting knowledge with experience, we open horizons for young people and help them discover the opportunities that the maritime sector offers. Together, we are building a generation that cares for the sea and is ready to lead the future," said Irene Notias.
Project Connect's mission is built around three pillars: Education, Development and Maritime Careers, creating a bridge between the classroom and the world of work while strengthening young people's understanding of the maritime industry.
About Project Connect
Founded in 2015, Project Connect is an award-winning non-profit organization that connects young professionals in-the-making with educational and career opportunities, with a particular focus on maritime education, mentorship and industry engagement. The organization operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Education and has received the endorsement of the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy. Through the support of schools, educators, shipping companies and maritime service providers, Project Connect continues to build meaningful pathways between education and industry for thousands of young people in Greece and internationally.
Chios Festival "Pioneering Pathways"
At the Chios Festival Pioneering Pathways, Irene Notias, Founder and Director of Project Connect, presented a vision for strengthening the connection between education, personal development, and career opportunities in the maritime sector.
Addressing government officials, industry representatives, educators, and members of the local community, Ms. Notias shared how Project Connect is creating meaningful pathways for young people by bringing them closer to the world of shipping through experiential learning, industry engagement, and mentorship.
The presentation focused on Project Connect's core mission: connecting opportunities with young professionals in the making and building stronger links between primary and secondary schools and the maritime community.
"From the classroom to the industry, our goal is simple: to connect knowledge with experience and open horizons for the next generation. Through education, development and career exposure, we help young people discover opportunities they may never have imagined," said Irene Notias.
During the presentation, Ms. Notias outlined the three pillars of Project Connect:
- Education: inspiring students to learn about the sea, shipping and sustainability.
- Development: offering real-life experiences that transform knowledge into practical understanding and skills.
- Maritime Careers: connecting young people with the maritime industry, mentors and authentic career opportunities.
A key focus was the success of the"Adopt a Ship" program, which creates direct communication between students and seafarers, enabling children to learn firsthand about life at sea and the human side of the maritime profession. Through letters, messages and ongoing exchanges, students gain a deeper understanding of the people who keep global trade moving.
The program has achieved significant impact, engaging hundreds of captains and vessels, dozens of shipping companies, and tens of thousands of students and teachers across Greece and internationally.
The presentation also highlighted the strong support of the Chian maritime community, whose commitment to education and youth development continues to strengthen the connection between future generations and the shipping industry.
Closing her remarks, Ms. Notias emphasized that investing in young people is essential for the future of both shipping and society.
"Together, we are creating a generation that cares for the sea, understands the value of maritime professions, and is ready to lead the future."
About Project Connect
Project Connect is an award-winning educational initiative that bridges the gap between education and the maritime industry. Through program such as Adopt a Ship, industry engagement activities, mentorship and career awareness initiatives, Project Connect inspires and equips young people to explore opportunities in shipping and related sectors.
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