The Second Annual ‘Inspire Shore to Open Water Festival’ Hosted At Dhonfanu
Sunday 12th of February 2023
The second edition of the annual ‘Inspire Shore to Open Water Festival’ took place at Dhonfanu island in Baa atoll. Developed in partnership with Soneva Namoona, The Shore to Open Water Series aims to build confident swimmers across the Maldives, promoting ocean stewardship among young people.
Since its inception, the program has trained 25 instructors and reached over 700 individuals, enlightening them on swimming and water rescue. This time around, the program commemorated the graduation of 11 Swimming & Water Rescue (SWR) instructors who will go on to become the next generation of ocean goers and nurture ocean stewardship in island communities. The program was supported by the Maldives Swimming and Life Saving Skills Training School (MLSSTS).
The SWR training consisted of a 150-hour course developed and conducted by the MLSSTS which needed to be completed to graduate. Moreover, SWR instructors also must acquire credit by providing swimming and water rescue lessons to residents of island communities. The graduates of this edition offered lessons to 253 individuals including women and children.
The three-day festival held at Dhonfanu welcomed participants from all over the atoll including Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, Kamadhoo, Kudarikilu, Kendhoo and more. Some of the activities featured in the festival include beach & island clean-up, water polo competition and a community BBQ with Boduberu. The graduation ceremony also took place during the festival where graduated instructors demonstrated their skills in a simulation drill held in the harbour.
The First Lady, Fazna Ahmed attended the graduation ceremony as a guest of honour. Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady congratulated the graduates of the program and highlighted the importance of Soneva Namoona’s work. She commended the NGO and acknowledged the support given to such work by island communities and their respective councils.
A graduate of the course, Aqisa Ahmed reflected on her experience and stated “It was always my dream to become a swimming instructor. Today, that dream has come true, and now my work begins. I will take this medal to my island and teach school children and the community the importance of the seas and swimming and safety skills. This is my goal.”
“We are proud to partner with the Namoona Island Communities and co-develop the SOWS programme. We believe that enabling communities to experience and enjoy the ocean will translate into a stronger bond with our natural environment. We would like to congratulate all the graduates on their achievement today,” said Soneva Namoona’s Inspire Manager, Azhoora Ahmed.
Soneva Namoona is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), that pioneers innovations to create empowered zero-waste communities in the Maldives, centred around the three pillars of Reduce, Recycle, and Inspire.