My Sea – My Home: Savedra Dive Center kicks off social responsibility program in Moalboal 

Last week we visited the Basdiot Elementary School, just 2 km from the dive center. After coordinating with principal Julita Cabaron and science teacher Wedmark Abenido our team of PADI Dive Instructors, consisting of Rex Pumon, Karl Epp and Siobhan Escario, who is also a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, headed off to meet all the pupils of their Grade 6 classes.

These were about 100 kids 11-13 year old, divided into 2 classes of 50. First we introduced Moalboals underwater world to the kids, with the help of the videos of Tony Exall of TXL Underwater Video, to make the children aware what treasures they had just on their door steps. All kind of marine life was shown and introduced, including how they interact and why they should be protected. After that, Siobhan and Rex made the kids aware of how much damage debris can do to their underwater world and how everybody can minimize their impact. And, last but not least, everybody got introduced to some scuba diving equipment. With a lot of fun and laughter each of them got hands-on experience on scuba diving gear and could try breathing air from the tank like real scuba divers.  Everybody enjoyed this hour of education and had great fun, Instructors and kids alike. Their assignment for our next visit is a poster making contest with the motto Moalboal: My Sea – My Home!

This is only the first step in Savedra Dive Centers newest Corporate Social Responsibility Program. In cooperation with Project Aware (www.projectaware.org), an organization fighting for a clean, healthy ocean planet, Savedra Dive Center will spend considerable time and effort on making children aware of their ocean environment and why this should be protected. Future activities will include free Discover Scuba classes and a scholarship program.  We keep you updated.

By

Karl H. Epp
PADI Master Instructor MI 903764
Savedra Dive Center - PADI Dive Center 18652 
www.savedra.com

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Some of us must live under water!