By Paul Hubbard, Chairman of the Board, Maritime Academy
Guest Column
A delegation from Toledo Sister City Londrina, Brazil visited Maritime Academy on May 21, 2024. The delegation wanted to examine how Maritime Academy uses technology to teach and prepare students for future careers and endeavors.
Members of the delegation were interested in seeing the state-of-the-art class A ship handling simulator which allows students hands-on training experiences for ship handling. The Maritime Academy of Toledo offers students a variety of programs and courses like welding, culinary arts, math and the opportunity to learn needed skills that can provide a for preparation for any university or career.
The Brazil delegation consisted of Joao Lonis Esteves, Secretary of Government Londrina, Brazil; Emannuel Gomes, president City Council; Angelo Pamplona, president Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Maritime Academy is one of 18 maritime-themed schools in the USA. It contains grades six to 12 and aims to shape future leaders in developing true character and innovative minds. The Maritime Academy provides students with rigorous academic pathways towards college and careers with a socialized learning experience.
The delegation also went to a Walleye game, rode Pearl Boat, went to Glass City Metro Park, had dinner at Real Sea Food and Final Cut Steak House and visited the Perrysburg Farmers Market, the Toledo Museum of Art and Toledo Zoo
What many of us don’t realize is that Jeep is a major vehicle in Brazil. Willys/Jeep was opened in Brazil in the 1950s. The official name is Willys Overland Do Brazil. In 1957 Jeeps were imported from the USA to Brazil In 1959 Jeeps began to be built in Brazil.
Toledo Sister Cities International acts as a bridge to foster international activities for world peace and global concerns in education, culture and economic development, within an atmosphere of understanding and mutual respect. This visit was a chance for citizens of Toledo’s Sister City in Londrina to experience the diverse offerings of our city Toledo.
I had a personal conversation with those representatives of Toledo’s Sister City that the Toledo African American community needs to be invited to take part in Sister City activities and visits. Toledo’s Sister City is open to our discussion and involvement.
