Volivoli Beach Resort and Ra Divers Fiji, along with the support of Settlement Services International (SSI), have sponsored a group of eight local young boys aged between 12 and 19 to complete their Open Water Diver course.
While we might not be able to visit Fiji just yet, a group of local boys have been studying hard, and thanks to Volivoli Beach Resort and Ra Divers Fiji, have graduated as open water divers; exploring the underwater wonderland for themselves and getting ready to show you the beauty of the Bligh Waters upon your return.
COVID-19 has had a massive impact on Fijian life as many people’s entire livelihood relies on tourism, so this good news story is music to our ears.
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This project will help to unlock a whole new aquatic wonderland for these boys before the school year begins and open the door to becoming tourism leaders of tomorrow, providing them with the opportunity to see first-hand why divers from around the globe flock to the famous Bligh Waters to experience ‘Fiji’s Finest Diving’ and the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’.
Local boys Pagalu, Papu, Etika, Kobe, Paris, Troyden, Maikeli and Ricardo successfully completed their Junior Open Water and Open Water Diver courses guided by Pola and Seci, and each young participant stood tall as they learnt about the industry of diving, developed new skills and did themselves, their families, and the Fijian community proud.
Who knows, in the future, perhaps some of these boys may be future Ra Divers Fiji crew; diligently leading divers from around the world through Fiji’s #1 Dive Region and exploring its amazing, healthy and diverse aquatic backyard.
Proud parent Henry Nand said, “I would like to thank Volivoli Beach Resort and Ra Divers Fiji for this precious opportunity for my boys to learn to scuba dive in a professional, safe and mature manner.
“Being a Dive Instructor myself, I felt safe to let my boys complete the dive courses with Ra Divers Fiji. My boys are so fascinated about sea, most of the time they are out at the sea snorkelling and now they’ve learned to scuba dive, they are hooked for life.
“I have noticed a different approach towards sea and marine life from my boys already and they have a better understanding about corals and fish and have new ideas on how to preserve the marine environment.”
Henry Nand, Proud parent
Kobe’s dad, Rob Narrahun, said, “As parents, we noticed Kobe’s enthusiasm and confidence flourish and he certainly appreciates the skills he has acquired to see parts of the world many will never have the opportunity to see.
“We were extremely confident with the personnel from Volivoli Beach Resort that ran the course and this was a reflection on Kobe’s overall enjoyment and confidence.”
Simon Doughty, Volivoli Beach Resort and Ra Divers Fiji, Sales and Marketing Manager, said, “It was an absolute delight to see the massive grins from ear to ear and the sparkle in the boy’s eyes as they came up from each dive.
“The sheer joy in their voices, combined with non-stop chatter about the marine life they saw and learned about was truly heart-warming. I can’t stop smiling each time I think about their overwhelming excitement.”
Simon Doughty, Volivoli Beach Resort and Ra Divers Fiji, Sales and Marketing Manager
Listening to them speak amongst themselves about caring for the marine environment at such a young age was so gratifying and something money simply can’t buy. The entire group was a credit to themselves and the community as a whole and we will certainly be organizing more of these initiatives in the future.”