Cyprus Maritime Academy and Mintra form strategic partnership to advance maritime education

Cyprus Maritime Academy (CyMA) and Mintra have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will support the drive for innovation and excellence in maritime education.

Through the collaboration, Mintra, an Educational Technology and Human Capital Management company, will offer a Full Scholarship, covering all years of study, for a Cadet enrolled in CyMA’s BSc in Nautical Science program.

‘We are honoured and grateful for the generous support of Mintra, which will significantly enhance the educational opportunities for Student-Cadets,’ said Kyriacos Patsalides, Director of Academic Affairs, Intercollege and the Cyprus Maritime Academy. ‘We have chosen Darina Sotirova as the recipient of this year’s scholarship. She is an exceptional young cadet with a bright future in front of her, we hope she will go on to achieve her dream of becoming a Captain, inspiring the next generation of female cadets.’

Mintra has chosen to work with CyMA to combat two global issues facing the maritime industry: a decrease in qualified seafarers, and a lack of females on board and in leadership positions in the maritime industry.

‘As an industry, we need to recognise that collaboration is key,’ said Emmanolia Kolias, Channel Director for Mintra and Board Member for WISTA Cyprus. ‘Our partnership with CyMA signifies our commitment to ongoing innovation within Maritime Education and Training and our commitment to our future Seafarers, ensuring that we provide the stepping stones they need. For inclusivity, it is important to be the foundation for Darina and give her the tools that she needs to break the glass ceilings ahead of her.’

Commenting, Sotirova said: ‘A scholarship in the maritime community signifies more than just basic foundations to build a successful career; it embodies an investment in diversity and inclusion, empowering underrepresented voices to navigate new horizons, fostering innovation, and ensuring a richer, more inclusive maritime industry for all. This scholarship will enable me to secure a future where I can serve as a role model for other women aspiring to enter this industry but lacking the courage to do so, a feeling I am all too familiar with.’

Image: CyMA