PADI is continuing its support for local Fijians with the provision of professional diving career scholarships.
The program has been going on for more than two decades and provides training at PADI Divemaster level or higher. This year, the four locals who received the scholarships are:
- Semi Gonerara, PADI Dive Master
- Lino Ratubalevu, PADI Dive Master
- Craig Warren Luciano, PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
- Tikiko Delai, PADI Assistant Instructor
Commenting on the scholarship, Craig Warren Luciano stated:
“Being a recipient of the PADI Scholarship Program was definitely a blessing for me and I am forever grateful to have been a candidate. For me, being a PADI Pro means having the opportunity to share the knowledge of the underwater world and all that comes with it, like taking care of our environment so we can continue to appreciate and protect it. I love diving and this was the opportunity of a lifetime for me. The courses I completed under this program gave me the boost I needed to learn more and progress my career. I am now working towards getting my IDC Staff Instructor rating in order to also help advance those who share the same dream and love for scuba diving.”
According to PADI Asia Pacific Territory Director Thomas Knedlik:
“Through our scholarship program, we aim to assist our PADI Members in offering our diver training programs to those who may otherwise be limited to accessing these opportunities. This program is designed to offer life-changing employment opportunities, foster conservation-minded reef ambassadors, and heighten awareness of the marine environment at a grassroots level – further encouraging industry growth and strengthening our relationships with local communities. We are not only aiming to kick-start diving careers at a grass-roots level but equally provide them with the education and resources to help us create a billion torchbearers to explore and protect the ocean.”
