The public and private sector have come together to create schemes which will get local youngsters more in tune with the world under the water.
The mission of the Community Enrichment Programme is to provide wholesome activities for Cayman children, in a structured and safe environment. This scheme is led by caring and knowledgeable staff and volunteers, said Divetech.
Therefore, two programmes are being launched: Swimming and Snorkelling and Learn to Scuba Dive, collectivity known as the West Bay Eco-Warriors.
This represents an after school group focused on learning to swim, snorkel and scuba dive and to improve the children’s awareness of the surrounding coastline, marine life and waters of the Cayman Islands, explained the company in a release to the media. More than 100 children will be accommodated in the programmes over the course of the year.
The Sharks group will be learning to scuba dive over a 10 week period and becoming new ambassadors of the Ocean. The programme will cater to children ages 10 and up to teach them scuba diving and exploration of the ocean.
The Turtles and the Groupers will meet an hour each week for approximately five weeks for children aged eight and up that are not swimmers or snorkellers. The goal of this programme is to learn and improve younger children’s skills in the pool and ocean, while learning interesting facts about the Cayman Islands marine life and local environment, read the press release. These programmes are totally funded by Divetech at no cost to the participants with additional sponsorship from PADI Swim School, Divers Supply, Cobalt Coast Dive Resort and Starfish Aquatics Institute.
Educate and entertain
The programme will be enhanced by guest speakers from Grand Cayman, who will educate and entertain the children on subjects relevant to the marine environment and its protection and preservation.
The overall environmental outcome is to produce future dive and tourism professionals from the Cayman Islands who are aware and proud of their islands’ beauty and marine environment, explained Emma-Jane Nicholsby of Divetech.
“After living and working on different Caribbean islands I discovered that the local kids in the community do not receive formal swim training as part of their school curriculum. It is great to now be in a position with Divetech to be able to offer these skills to the kids in West Bay.”
By introducing them to swimming, snorkeling and scuba, she said, she was hoping to raise their awareness to the special qualities that the Cayman Islands have and how the [kids] can eventually make a career for themselves in the tourism sector.
“The Ministry of Education, Training and Employment is excited about the partnership with Divetech,” said Michael Miles, employed by the ministry as programme coordinator and liaison officer for at risk youth.
“We welcome this new opportunity to expose our young people to the aquatics environment. Divetech’s partnership is instrumental in assisting the Ministry to achieve its vision of ensuring every young person in these Islands succeeds; this requires access to a wide range of positive learning environments.”
Registration is through the Cayman Outreach Association in conjunction with the Sir John A. Cumber Primary School. Children must be in attendance at the school’s Community Enrichment programme for the initial launch of the Eco-Warriors programme on 24 September. Sessions will be located at Cobalt Coast Dive Resort and Lighthouse Point; West Bay clean-ups will be organised in the surrounding areas.
For more information please e-mail [email protected]
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