Atmosphere Foundation has introduced a new annual scholarship programme aimed at sponsoring 10 Maldivians each year to complete internationally recognised scuba diving training and professional development pathways, reinforcing career opportunities for youth while contributing to the continued growth of the country’s tourism workforce. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis within the Maldivian tourism sector on developing skilled local professionals capable of supporting the industry’s evolving operational and safety standards, particularly within specialised areas such as diving, watersports, and marine-based guest experiences.
The programme has been designed to create structured entry pathways into one of the Maldives’ most distinctive tourism segments, offering participants access to a progressive certification framework that supports advancement from foundational training to professional-level qualifications. Sponsored candidates will undergo internationally accredited training that prepares them for employment opportunities across resort dive centres, marine excursion operations, and watersports facilities throughout the country. By aligning training with industry requirements, the initiative seeks to strengthen workforce readiness while enabling Maldivians to pursue sustainable, long-term careers within a globally competitive tourism environment.
Open to both newcomers and individuals already working within the sector, the scholarship programme focuses on building technical expertise, strengthening safety competencies, and enhancing professional confidence among participants. These competencies are increasingly essential as resorts continue to elevate guest experiences through curated marine adventures, underwater exploration programmes, and environmentally responsible diving activities. The Maldives, recognised worldwide for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine ecosystems, and year-round diving conditions, remains one of the most sought-after destinations for underwater tourism, making skilled dive professionals an integral part of resort operations and guest engagement.
To ensure that the programme delivers lasting value to the national economy, successful candidates will be required to work in the Maldives for a specified period after completing their training. This service commitment is expected to support local workforce development by enabling resorts to access qualified Maldivian dive professionals while providing participants with practical career continuity and industry exposure. The approach also contributes to strengthening local representation within specialised tourism roles, helping ensure that Maldivians play an increasingly prominent role across technical and leadership positions in the sector.
Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation, stated that tourism remains the Maldives’ primary economic pillar and that the long-term sustainability of the industry depends on building strong local participation across all levels. He noted that the programme aims to remove barriers to professional training, provide young people with globally recognised qualifications, and support their progression into advanced career opportunities, while ensuring that newly acquired expertise directly benefits the Maldivian tourism landscape.
Atmosphere Foundation continues to expand initiatives focused on community wellbeing, youth empowerment, and skills development, supporting pathways that enable individuals to achieve professional growth while contributing to national development. The annual dive training sponsorship programme reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to creating practical opportunities that strengthen communities and enhance workforce capacity, while supporting the resilience and competitiveness of the Maldives’ tourism industry in the global market.
Further details regarding application procedures, programme partnerships, and implementation timelines are expected to be announced through Atmosphere Foundation’s official communication channels in the near future.
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