The Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split and the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners (HUPB) have signed an agreement on student scholarships, which represents an important step forward in the development of maritime personnel. The total value of the scholarship program is 100 thousand euros over a period of five years, and it is intended for students with lower financial status. The agreement was signed this week as part of the Split premiere of the film “Perast – the Wounded Ship” at the Faculty of Maritime Studies.
The contract was signed by the President of the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners Ivan Mladin and the Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Split, Prof. Dr. sc. Ivan Peronja, together with students Stella Musa, a second-year student of the undergraduate study Maritime Nautics, Ante Tešija, a second-year student of the graduate study Naval Engineering, and Josip Tafra, a first-year student of the undergraduate study Maritime Yacht and Marina Technology.
This is the first such form of scholarship organized by the Association, which further confirms HUPB’s strategic focus on the education and development of future experts in the maritime sector.
“This is an extremely important moment for our Association because for the first time in this way we are directly investing in young people who will be the leaders of maritime and nautical tourism development tomorrow. As members of the Economic Council of the Faculty of Maritime Studies, we are continuously involved in the development of educational programs and we are aware of how important it is to connect the profession and education. With these scholarships, we want to make education easier for students, but also send a clear message that the profession stands behind them,” emphasized HUPB President Ivan Mladin.
“We have traditionally had a very good cooperation with the Croatian Association of Private Shipowners, and this year, at their initiative as part of our socially responsible business, we have taken an additional step forward. The shipowners have recognized the importance of investing in education and have decided to provide scholarships to three excellent students who are also parents. This further encourages the study of young parents, which is particularly important for improving the demographic picture of Croatia,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Affairs in Split, Ivan Peronja. The Faculty and the Association have previously successfully collaborated on various projects, such as the purchase of vans for sailors, and since last year, representatives of the Association have also been part of the Faculty’s Economic Council. “This cooperation was also confirmed by signing a scholarship agreement, which further strengthens the connection between the academic community and the economy,” concluded Peronja.
The Croatian Association of Private Shipowners, as the largest and oldest association of tourist shipowners on the Adriatic, continuously operates not only in the economic, but also in the socially responsible segment. For many years, the Association and its members have actively participated in projects that contribute to the local community and the wider society.
Among the numerous initiatives, special mention should be made of underwater clean-up and environmental conservation campaigns, donations for the preservation of cultural heritage such as folk costumes, as well as organizing excursions and educational cruises for children from homes and children with special needs. In addition, the shipowners have also participated in projects to improve local infrastructure, including the construction and equipping of playgrounds in local kindergartens and schools.
Kontinuirani angažman pokazuje da HUPB prepoznaje važnost ulaganja u ljude, kako kroz obrazovanje mladih, tako i kroz doprinos društvu u cjelini.
The signing of these contracts represents the beginning of a new initiative by the Association, which will continue to be focused on supporting young seafarers and strengthening the connection between the education system and the maritime industry.
