Garrets International Co-Funds New Maritime Education Scholarship

First Sailors’ Society-Homer Foundation Scholarship beneficiary pursues a culinary career

An aspiring chef has been selected as the first beneficiary of a new maritime education scholarship co-funded by Sailors’ Society and Garrets International, and administered by Homer Foundation.

Edward Cunanan, 22, from Baliuag in the Philippines, was awarded the scholarship to train at the Magsaysay Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (MIHCA) in Manila. The Sailors’ Society-Homer Foundation Scholarship enables Filipino students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue culinary careers in the shipping industry.

Edward, whose passion to be a chef made him the stand out candidate, said; “I really wanted to become a chef on a cruise ship - a dream that I never thought would happen. This scholarship program has opened up a very big opportunity for me. My dream has turned into reality, not only for myself but for my family.”

Leading provisions and stores management partner to the global shipping community, Garrets International, will provide funding for the duration of the one-year course alongside maritime charity Sailors’ Society.

Sandra Welch, Sailors’ Society’s deputy CEO and director of program, said: “We are grateful for Garrets International’s generous support. Like Sailors’ Society and Homer Foundation, Garrets is passionate about improving welfare and students’ skillsets, so we are delighted Garrets has agreed to co-fund the Sailors’ Society-Homer Foundation Scholarship in the Philippines.”

The Philippines has one of the largest rich-poor divides in South East Asia. MIHCA courses give young people an opportunity to gain recognized training credentials and embark on a seafaring career.

Students must demonstrate a desire to work at sea for three years following completion of the course. The training also prepares students to work on land in the hospitality industry when their seafaring careers are over.