While the Solomon Islands’ international borders have been closed this year, Dive Munda has set about teaching local youth how to dive with an ambitious sponsorship program. So far, the Western Province dive centre has trained 45 young Solomon Islanders how to dive, with a target of 80 by the end of the year.
The program has so far attracted over 60 sponsors, each paying $240 to cover the costs of dive training. Dive centre owner Belinda Botha has a particular passion for empowering local women and has a target of 60 percent of trainees to be female.
The program, launched in August, is supported by Dive Munda, Agnes Gateway Hotel, Solomon Airlines and a host of private and business sponsors, and offers sponsored 3-day open water diving training to eligible participants aged between 10 and 21 years old.
Once registrations are received, Dive Munda facilitates the process with a panel including representatives from the industry who assess and select the successful candidates.
There’s still time to sponsor a future ocean lover – for only $240 AUD you can help Dive Munda educate the youth of the Solomon Islands to protect and preserve our oceans, reefs, fish and sharks.
Email Belinda at Dive Munda to find out how to sponsor a future ocean lover.
