State Electric Company Limited (STELCO) has opened a daycare centre for the children of its employees. It is the first centre to be opened as part of the initiative of state-owned companies to provide daycare in an office environment. The centre was inaugurated by the Chairman of STELCO Ibrahim Mohamed Didi.
STELCO's Child Care Centre was established in line with the vision and initiative of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to provide a safe and reliable environment for STELCO employees to have their children during working hours.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Managing Director of STELCO Ahmed Shareef said that the centre was a gift from the government to the employees. He said the employees should show their appreciation of the gift through the service provided by the company to the public.
STELCO stated that the centre will be open from 0815-1600hrs on official government working days and is for children between the ages of 5-10 years. In addition, STELCO said the centre will be staffed by skilled childcare professionals and that the centre will provide a variety of age-appropriate activities and learning through sports.
Meanwhile, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) is also working on the establishment of a daycare centre. In addition, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is developing a 3,000sqft, six-storey daycare centre in Hulhumale'. The building is being developed with state-of-the-art facilities to accommodate children with special needs.
Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services is currently in discussions with more companies to establish daycare centres.