Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives has successfully completed a six-day PADI Open Water Diver certification programme for a selected group of students from Keyodhoo and Felidhoo schools, reinforcing the resort’s long-standing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives that prioritise youth development, environmental awareness, and meaningful community engagement. The programme reflects the resort’s broader vision of supporting island communities by combining education with practical exposure to the Maldives’ world-renowned marine environment, while nurturing skills that align with the future of sustainable tourism.
Delivered in partnership with Dive & Sail, the resort’s PADI-certified diving centre, and supported by the participating schools, the programme was carefully structured to provide both internationally recognised qualifications and a deeper understanding of marine conservation. Nine students between the ages of 16 and 18 were selected based on academic potential and a demonstrated interest in marine life, offering them a unique opportunity to gain professional-level exposure to diving while developing a strong sense of responsibility towards the fragile ecosystems that surround their home islands.
Over the course of six days, students progressed from foundational classroom-based learning to hands-on experience in the lagoon and surrounding reef systems. The training covered essential diving theory, safety procedures, equipment handling, and environmental conservation principles, followed by confined water sessions that allowed participants to build confidence and technical competence in a controlled setting. The programme culminated in supervised open water dives, where students applied their skills in real marine conditions, earning internationally recognised certification while witnessing first-hand the beauty and vulnerability of coral reef habitats.
Beyond technical training, the programme placed strong emphasis on reef protection, safe diving practices, and respect for marine biodiversity, aligning closely with the Maldives’ national focus on environmental stewardship. The initiative also strengthened ties between the resort and neighbouring island communities, creating a platform for collaboration and long-term development while exposing young islanders to potential career pathways in marine tourism, conservation, and hospitality.
The programme concluded with an award ceremony held at the resort, where participants received their PADI Open Water Diver certifications in the presence of representatives from the resort, Dive & Sail, and partner schools. Speaking on the initiative, Sanjeeva Perera, Area General Manager of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives, highlighted that the programme reflects the group’s commitment to integrating education, environmental responsibility, and community development, while contributing to skill-building that is relevant to the evolving marine tourism sector.
Through initiatives such as this, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives continues to play an active role in supporting the social and economic development of surrounding island communities. By combining structured education, hands-on experience, and close community collaboration, the resort is helping inspire the next generation of marine professionals and ocean stewards, transforming youthful curiosity into tangible opportunity with lasting impact for both people and the environment.
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