Project teaches 80% of Sao Tome and Principe to swim
Rita Fernandes' "Sao Tome and Principe a Nadar" project trains local instructors and teaches swimming skills to islanders.
The "Sao Tome and Principe a Nadar" project is teaching islanders to swim, aiming to equip over 80% of the population with this life skill. Rita Fernandes, a former professional swimmer, founded the initiative three years ago after observing the lack of swimming proficiency in the island nation where fishing is a significant activity.
Fernandes, who has a background in Sociology and Sports Management, partnered with local teacher Angélico Santos, who had recently established the Sao Tome and Principe Swimming Federation. The project addresses the absence of public swimming pools and the lack of swimming in the official education system, despite children's proximity to the sea.
The initiative has evolved into a structured cooperation with local and Portuguese institutions, including the Portuguese Association of Swimming Technicians (APTN). Through donations and partnerships, the project has provided training materials and conducted online and in-person training sessions, even sending young swimmers like José Dias and Tiago Pires to Portugal for pool training.
Why it mattersThe project directly impacts the population of Sao Tome and Principe by teaching them a vital life skill and improving water safety.