Scholarship initiatives empower communities through education

In a concerted effort to lift the standards of responsibility by fostering education and socioeconomic development, APM Terminals is continuing its scholarship initiatives across its global network. These pioneering programs, some of which have been established for many years, aim to uplift individuals and communities by providing access to education, skill development, and career opportunities.

From the port of Callao, Peru, to the streets of Monrovia, Liberia, and the communities of Pipavav, India and beyond, APM Terminals is investing in future generations. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated investments, we are making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals, and unlocking doors to a brighter future.

Catching dreams in Peru

At APM Terminals in Callao, Peru, local artisanal fishermen are being supported to improve their quality of life and explore alternative sources of income. The scholarship program funded by APM Terminals encompasses various personal development modules, including embracing new technologies, and mastering the intricacies of commercial social networks and sales strategies.

The Annual Study Scholarship Program "Nuestra Señora del Rosario" extends its reach beyond the artisanal fishing community to encompass individuals of all ages residing in the vicinity of the terminal. Courses ranging from Customs and Accounting to English and Graphic Design are offered, providing diverse opportunities for skill enhancement and career development. Additionally, vocational information workshops and guidance on job search techniques are provided, complemented by constructive feedback on business plans, ensuring holistic support for scholarship recipients.

The gift of knowledge, Liberia

In Liberia, educational empowerment takes center stage as APM Terminals Liberia champions the cause of underprivileged yet academically gifted students. Through a comprehensive scholarship scheme, established in 2021, the company disburses funds annually to ensure that promising students within its catchment area have the resources to pursue their educational aspirations. With a recent offering totaling approximately 3 million Liberian dollars (over EUR 14,000), the initiative continues to make significant strides in nurturing future leaders.

The Chair of APM Terminals Liberia CSR Committee and Head of HSSE and Asset Maintenance, Habib Sheriff said: “we continue to make these investments to demonstrate that we are committed to raising the next set of leaders and committed to using education as a tool to transform the Liberian society.” So far six schools from different communities surrounding the Freeport of Monrovia have been included and more qualified schools are expected to benefit from the scheme in the future.

Digital learning, sewn up in India

Similarly, APM Terminals Pipavav in India is commitment to community welfare. By inaugurating an air-conditioned computer lab at Rampara Higher Secondary School last year, it is helping to equip local students with essential digital skills, opening doors to a world of opportunities. In addition, classes in sewing, embroidery, and tailoring are empowering young women with self-employment potential and economic independence.

Lifting standards, and ‘skilling-up' in Bahrain

In Bahrain, our team are giving back to the local community by offering young people the opportunity to ‘skill up’. In collaboration with the Ministry of Labour APM Terminals has offered six students in higher education a 6-12 month-long program with the procurement and operations departments, affording them hands-on experience and learning.

The Maritime Scholarship Program at APM Terminals Bahrain continues with its sponsorship of three Bahraini students chosen amongst over 100 applicants to undergo a Level 3 Diploma, Deck Officer Training at South Tyneside College, UK. The program includes alternating phases of academic studies and a 9–10 month, sea-time apprenticeship aboard a Maersk Vessel.

Last year nine polytechnic students joined our operations, commercial, Health & Safety, and human resources departments in Bahrain where they gained experience as Lean Practitioners – learning the business methodologies followed by APM Terminals and other leading organisations, as well as receiving mentorship from our qualified experts. This year APM Terminals Bahrain plans to go even further in its youth outreach, with a new collaboration with the Injaz initiative, a local organisation which aims to inspire and prepare school-aged children for the world of work, and a world of possibilities with meaningful careers.

Enriching lives in Costa Rica

Thanks to the APM Terminals Moín Scholarship Program, more than 100 young people from the community have already benefitted from its scholarship and intern program, enabling students from vocational technical schools, as well as university students, to learn first-hand at the terminal. "APM Terminals wants to add and contribute to the knowledge, preparation and skills for these young individuals, and enable them to be competitive for the labour market with a 100% practical approach, with new skills extending their theoretical knowledge and developing their soft skills," explains José Rueda, Managing Director of APM Terminals Moín.

Younger beneficiaries include more than 100 local primary school children who have received school supplies, while classrooms have been kitted out with new, highly durable desks from the terminal, and, in addition, five local young inventors were sponsored by the terminal to represent Costa Rica in a world robotics competition in Singapore last year. "We consider that the youth of the province of Limón have great potential that can transcend borders,” said Rueda.

Empowerment through education in Nigeria

Across the world again, to the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Nigeria, the spirit of educational empowerment is thriving as the company recently boosted its scholarship opportunities by a further 50, bringing the total scholarships awards to 100 in its host communities of Onne and Ogu.

With a keen focus on nurturing academic excellence and talent from the grassroots level, WACT's annual scholarship program provides the means for young minds to aspire and reach new heights. The terminal has awarded 60 million Naira (approx. 43,000 EUR) to 100

student beneficiaries so far. Beyond financial support, internship opportunities within the terminal enrich the educational experience of local students, providing invaluable insights into the corporate world.

Says WACT Terminal Managing Director, Jeethu Jose: “As a business, we have identified the WACT scholarship scheme as a tool to identify, nurture and attract great talents from the host communities.”

Also in Nigeria, our terminal in Apapa is a long-time contributor to the local community, prioritising education as one of the best means of helping not only children, but hard-working educators by donating around computers, as well as textbooks and supplies to schools. In addition, Nigeria’s largest container terminal combined environmental awareness with educational purpose when volunteers from the terminal paved the playground of a local primary school with paving blocks made from recycled tyres. Literally paving the way to a safe and welcoming educational space.

Toward a brighter future

By investing in education and skill development throughout our terminals, APM Terminals is not only cultivating a brighter future for individuals but also fostering sustainable socio-economic growth within the communities in which we operate and serve, reaffirming our role as a catalyst for positive change in societies around the world.