NAUI's Global Impact in Colombia & Indonesia!
NAUI believes in making scuba diving and training as accessible as possible, no matter where they are in the world. Two recent initiatives—one in Colombia and another in Indonesia—exemplify our commitment to expanding diving education and fostering diversity in the industry.
Empowering a Coastal Community in Colombia
Professional diving instruction has long been out of reach for local communities in Chocó, Colombia, where the jungle meets the Pacific Ocean. That changed last year when a collaborative effort led by NAUI Course Director John Parra (#11063) brought essential skin-diving training to this remote coastal area.
This initiative provided vital education in safe skin-diving practices while also providing a pathway for participants to continue their education as certified instructors. Beyond just a learning experience, the program opened doors to employment opportunities for these young divers, turning their passion into a profession.
The program was a team effort, with support from local Colombian organizations and contributions from NAUI representatives. Certificates of completion, decals, and NAUI t-shirts were provided to students to celebrate their accomplishment and as a reminder of their journey into the world of diving.
Breaking Barriers in Indonesia
Meanwhile, across the globe in Indonesia, an Instructor Training Course (ITC) is currently underway, marking another milestone in NAUI’s global expansion. Among the three instructors being certified, two are women divers!
One of the trainees, Dr. Imelda, is a respected DAN Indonesia collaborator and a recent recipient of a scholarship to support her training. Her journey reflects the high caliber of NAUI Professional Candidates and the importance of creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to experience the adventure of exploring below the surface. Dr. Imelda is also a candidate for the NAUI Diversity Scholarship, further highlighting NAUI’s dedication to supporting underrepresented groups in the diving industry.
The second female instructor, Fifin Maidarina, is a travel writer and former banker who previously worked as a DAN financial advisor in Indonesia. She now freelances as a writer and mentors in photography, content creation, and web design. As a NAUI instructor, her goal is to encourage people to learn to dive safely so they can fully appreciate the beauty of Indonesia’s underwater world.
Throughout their training, Dr. Imelda & Fifin Maidarina has been documenting her experiences and sharing updates on social media! Check them out at the links below:
A Global Community of Divers
These two programs illustrate NAUI’s reach and impact worldwide. From Colombia to the communities of Indonesia, NAUI is proud to help shape the future of diving education, one instructor at a time.
Stay tuned for more updates, photos, and videos from these incredible programs. If you’re inspired by these stories and want to be part of NAUI’s mission to bring diving education to communities worldwide, visit www.naui.org to learn more about how you can get involved.
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