Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives Empowers Youth through PADI Diver Certification Programme
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting local communities with its most recent achievement of conducting a six-day PADI Open Water Diver course certification for students from Keyodhoo and Felidhoo schools. This program is part of Cinnamon’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs that aim to engage with neighboring island communities. The programme was intended for individuals who wished to have more than merely training in scuba diving. Even though the programme helped individuals gain international recognition in scuba diving, it was meant to foster knowledge and interest in the Maldives’ vulnerable ecosystems and future possibilities in the field of marine tourism. The programme, which was carried out by Dive & Sail—the PADI Dive Centre at the resort—sought full cooperation and encouragement from school authorities and its staff.
Nine students between the ages of 16 and 18 were chosen on the bases of their academic potential and intrinsic interest in marine life. For many students, this was their first opportunity to experience the underwater world beyond the shoreline. Over the course of six days, the students followed a closely designed program consisting of learning, skill building, and diving. The beginning stage was where students were introduced to diving theory, safety, equipment, and conservation, among other factors, in a classroom setting. This definitely offered students a solid foundation in diving, with emphasis placed on responsible diving practices in addition to appreciating coral reefs and biodiversity in the sea. This was then followed by confined water diving, where students are taken to training pools to allow them to get comfortable while executing diving skills.
The highlight of the programme was during the open water dives in the lagoon and surrounding reef areas. The students had a firsthand experience in a natural marine environment, practicing all they had learned in a practical situation. Not only did they learn a lot from this experience, but they also succeeded in attaining a major milestone in their lives with each one attaining an internationally recognized PADI qualification—Open Water Diver.
Other than technical training, the initiative has helped in building ties between Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives and the surrounding communities of Keyodhoo and Felidhoo. This is because the approach of the resort has created an opportunity for synergy and cooperation with the local youth of the region. This program was concluded with a small award ceremony that took place at the resort, where students received their certifications in the presence of Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, Dive & Sail, and the schools. This was a program where the achievements of the students were not only being celebrated, but the shared values in education and the environment were also being commemorated.
This way, through such programs as the PADI Diver certification program undertaken by Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, it is continuing to add to the socio-economic development of these communities in these nearby islands. With education and experience combined in such an effective manner, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives is emerging as the training ground for the next generation of marine professionals and guardians of the seas.
