President of the San Pedro Tour Guide Association (SPTGA) and Scuba Educator, Phillip “Billy” Leslie along with members Everett Anderson, Enes Anderson, Steve Bowen, Gilberto Nuñez, along with the assistance of Mr. Ruben Trejo and other dive masters are giving back to the community once again.
Leslie told The Sun that the program, in the past was geared towards the High School. However, this year, it was decided that six primary schools will have the opportunity to fill four spaces each for the program. As a result, some 24 students from the various primary schools ranging in ages 11-14 have embarked on a two week Junior Open Water certification program. The course is being held at the Manuel Heredia Hall at the San Pedro High School compound. Classes commenced on Monday July 11th.
Mr. Leslie stated, “This is our yearly contribution to the community. We have always catered to the younger generation. This year, specifically we targeted the elementary schools. The schools used it as an incentive to their students and the winners have been selected and sent over to us.”
The program is a joint venture by the SPTGA, Coral Reef Alliance, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and internationally supported by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) under their AWARE program.
The aim of the program is to be able to utilize the certified children to assist with under water clean up campaigns and through PADI’s program, it is geared towards education on the protection and conservation of coral reefs around the world.
