The wonders of the ocean came to life last week for the  children of Ohluvelifushi School as Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Sub Oceanic Maldives,  and Scuba Schools International (SSI) joined forces to deliver an inspiring day of marine  education and community connection. 

The initiative built on SSI’s recent visit to Le Méridien Maldives, where the organisation filmed its  latest training materials against the vibrant backdrop of the resort’s pristine housereef. Le  Méridien Maldives, together with Sub Oceanic and SSI, took the collaboration beyond the water,  extending their commitment to marine conservation by engaging the students of Ohluvelifushi  School through an educational initiative. The experience sparked curiosity about the marine world  and their role in protecting the ecosystem. 

During the visit, Cesar Briliandi, Marine Biologist at Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic  Maldives, captivated students with a lively presentation on sea turtles. The children learned how  to differentiate between hawksbill and green see turtles, understand their habitats, and why these  gentle creatures are endangered. They also discovered the importance of seagrass, a vital food  source for turtles and a cornerstone of ocean health. 

“At Le Méridien Maldives, we believe in nurturing our world and serving our communities,  supporting both resilience and sustainable growth. Partnering with Sub Oceanic Maldives and  SSI to bring marine education to local students is a privilege, and we hope to inspire them to  become the next generation of ocean guardians”, said Thomas Schult, General Manager at Le  Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. 

The session included interactive games and quizzes that sparked excitement and encouraged  the children to think critically about the ocean’s role in their lives. Following the activities, students 

enjoyed a warm meet-and-greet with the visiting teams and received gifts that celebrated the  theme of exploration and discovery. 

“Our mission at Sub Oceanic Maldives is not only to introduce guests to the wonders beneath the  surface, but also to empower the next generation with knowledge and passion for the ocean.  Watching the students’ enthusiasm reaffirmed that education is the most powerful tool  for conservation”, added Florian Gansl, Head of Operations at Sub Oceanic Maldives. 

The impact of the initiative was immediate. “Our students were deeply inspired by the visit,” said  Mr Ibrahim, Principal of Ohluvelifushi School. “They asked questions, learned directly from  experts, and now see the ocean as part of their own future.” 

In the coming months, SSI’s partner Mares, a world-leading manufacturer of scuba, freediving  and snorkelling equipment, will donate snorkelling sets to the school. Students will then be invited  to explore Le Méridien Maldives’ spectacular house reef during a dedicated excursion, including  a guided visit to the resort’s Marine Conservation Hub. 

“Education has always been central to SSI’s philosophy. By engaging with local communities, we  share a passion that strengthen not just the present, but the future of our oceans. We are  honoured to work alongside Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic Maldives in creating these  meaningful opportunities”, said Guido Wätzig, CEO of SSI. 

Looking ahead, Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic Maldives plan to expand the programme  with further biodiversity and conservation workshops, as well as future dive courses, nurturing the  Maldives’ next wave of ocean advocates.  

Nestled in the heart of the Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is a chic, eco conscious island retreat surrounded by a thriving house reef and more than 50 dive sites. The  resort features 134 beach and overwater villas with direct ocean access, five restaurants and  bars, and an SSI-certified dive centre managed by Sub Oceanic Maldives. Guests are invited to  uncover the vibrant marine world of turtles, manta and eagle rays, sharks and colourful corals,  while engaging in meaningful sustainability initiatives. Dive where the professionals train, in the  waters where SSI films its training videos, and embrace the art of savouring the good life above  and below the surface. 

For more information or to book your stay, please visit lemeridien-maldives.com or contact us at  [email protected]. 

To learn more about Sub Oceanic Maldives please visit sub-oceanic.com/le-meridien-maldives,  and Scuba Schools International (SSI) at divessi.com.