A special programme aimed at protecting the rights of children has commenced in ten islands nationwide. The programme will be conducted with the support of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). A forum is being held for the councils of these islands to discuss the programme's guidelines.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the forum, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the LGA Dr. Mariyam Zulfa stated the programme purports to protect the rights of children and brighten their future, under the sustainable development framework of the UNICEF.
During the ceremony, Minister of Cities, Local Government and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar underscored the significant assistance and support of the UNICEF to develop the skills of the youth and to ensure the provision of quality education to children. The minister expressed confidence that establishing Teachers Learning Centres in the atolls will yield positive results and emphasised the programme’s importance in fostering a strong generation through current policies.
Meanwhile, the UNICEF Representative to the Maldives Dr. Edward Addai stated that the primary objective of the programme is to assist the Maldives in drafting policies required to achieve the goals of the programme. He affirmed that this would also assist in implementing the decentralisation policy effectively.
The programme will address eight key areas: enhancing the educational sector, skills development, increasing co-curricular activities, ensuring proper health and wellbeing, improving mental wellness, raising public awareness about the roles of parents, families, and society, and promoting environmental awareness and climate change resilience. The two-day programme will shed light on the guidelines of the programme, and is attended by 35 participants. The attendees include local counsellors, officials, and staffs from relevant organisations and the Local Government Authority (LGA).