Costa Group and the NGO Naves de Esperanza have reached a new milestone within the framework of their recent collaboration agreement. Both entities announce the launch of a joint volunteer program to support the hospital ship Esperanza de África. For a total of four months, Tomislav Zubovic, the first Costa Group volunteer to join this project, will work as an engineer on board, supporting the ship's staff and sharing his maritime experience gained at companies such as AIDA.
Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Group and Carnival Asia, is delighted with the positive results achieved with the letter of intent signed last March: “The collaboration with Ships of Hope allows us to support those most in need and reflects the values we believe in. Our crew members are eager to contribute personally to this initiative, and I am very proud of the enthusiasm they have shown.”.
The Esperanza de África is the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship, providing free surgeries and dental treatments to patients with urgent medical needs. It hosts over 400 volunteers from more than 40 countries. The Costa Group has committed to ensuring that a company engineer is always on board the vessel.
“The contribution of Tomislav Zubovic and the future volunteers will not only be to lend a hand, but they will also share their knowledge with the other volunteers on board. In this way, we can ensure that we will provide sustainable benefits over time, beyond the duration of this program,” explains Michael Tamm.
Zubovic, 28, holds a degree in naval engineering and has already worked on several of the group's ships, including the AIDAsol and the AIDAluna. “I’m excited about this new challenge,” says Zubovic. “This initiative allows us to make a difference. I’m looking forward to helping all the volunteers working on this ship that gives hope to so many people.”.
This volunteer program is just one of the many activities in which the Costa Group and Naves de Esperanza collaborate. The group will also seek to raise awareness among guests traveling aboard Costa's fleet about Naves de Esperanza and its various activities. Additionally, Naves de Esperanza officers and engineers will have the opportunity to gain nautical experience aboard Costa ships. To ensure immediate support, the Costa Group has also made a donation of €100,000 to the NGO.
The ship Esperanza de África, operated by Naves de Esperanza (Ships of Hope), is set to depart for Douala, Cameroon, in August. Douala is the country's largest city and home to the largest port in Central Africa. The quality of healthcare in Cameroon remains relatively low, with a life expectancy of 56 years. Despite this, the country enjoys a high degree of political and social stability, which has facilitated the development of agriculture, roads, railways, and other industries.
