The construction of the Museum is currently underway in Parow. Phase One of the project is completed, restoration of the old synagogue in Parow. Phase 2 involves aquariums and exhibition of Whaling and Marine Artifacts. In addition, a Big Screen showing educational and conservation issues. New Construction Phases 3, 4 and 5 is currently underway.
THE OBJECTIVE
Our primary objective is to bring the Sea to our Children under One Roof to enjoy the Wonders of Marine Life for as little as R3 per child. Children who cannot afford this will be accommodated through grants or donations or free entry, provided application is made in advance by the school principal to the Board of Whale Mark.
Our partners are the City of Cape Town, Northlink College and the Department of Labour, that have a stake in decision making processes, and we need to liaise with them at all times to ensure we are speaking the same language.
TOURISM
In addition, to attract hundreds of thousands of tourist to see what we have to offer, a comprehensive South African whaling, fishing and maritime exhibition will be displayed. Marine and fresh water aquariums will also be added.
Ten individual hands on Arts & Crafts workshops have been incorporated to manufacture tourism products for the local and international markets. Walk through workshops for tourists and children have been designed especially for this purpose.
Conference facilities, a fishing restaurant and a coffee shop has been included to cater for the corporate sector, tourist and the family as this was part of the visitors package and necessary.
EDUCATION- OUR PRIMARY CONCERN
Various class and computer rooms have been incorporated as well in conjunction with Northlink College and the Department of Labour. They will play a key role to ensure the necessary educational disciplines are dealt with, also in collaboration with fishing companies and the tourism departments. Obviously, the ten (10) Arts & Crafts Workshops will form part of this unique educational portfolio and other student programs.
We will be initiating an apprenticeship and lectures program for IT Support technicians to form part of Whale Mark objectives. This in effort of raising the standards of IT support in the country. Training will include both job and people skills instruction.
Khoe - San classes will be offered. Interesting is the fact that Khoe-San was the first language spoken in Southern Africa thousands of years ago. The language itself lends itself to Click-Click sounds, which to my mind, is very interesting. Even more fascinating is the fact that whales, fish and boats have their own Khoe-San names!
Classes in Journalism and Marine discipline will be provided by Newspaper Reporters or qualified teachers.
The abovementioned courses in only some of a variety of courses that will be offered. Click here for the rest. |
Front Entrance to the old building to be renovated for the New Museum
A view of the pulpit where a large screen will be hung for lectures and video streaming
An exterior scetch of the museum to be - click to enlarge
interior design of the first floor
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interior design of the second floor
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interior design of the ground floor
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A five ton life boat was placed on the synagogue grounds. It will form part of Phase Two of the project
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