The government has expanded the 'Haalu Kihineh?' programme to 15 Atolls thus far, the Ministry of Social and Family Development has said.
The initiative launched in May last year involves visiting residents across all islands in the Maldives to assess their well-being, identify individuals in need, and provide necessary services.
In an interview with PSM News, Deputy Minister of Social and Family Development Mariyam Lahfa said, assistance is being provided to vulnerable families identified through the programme, including job and training opportunities.
"We are now working with island councils and women's development committees and relevant institutions to provide assistance to the vulnerable families in these islands,” she explained.
According to Lahfa, the government is now aiming to expand the programme to islands in Meemu, Vaavu, Alifu Alifu and Alifu Dhaalu Atolls before taking it nationwide before the end of this calendar year.
The "Haalu Kihineh?" programme initially began in Hulhumale'. In alignment with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's vision of fostering a compassionate society, the programme aims to strengthen relationships and build trust between the government and the citizens.
The initiative involves visiting residents across all islands in the Maldives to assess their well-being, identify individuals in need, and provide necessary services.
The Ministry of Social and Family Development is working closely with public service institutions, relevant agencies, atoll councils, local island councils, and Women’s Development Committees (WDCs), to conduct the programme. The goal is to visit every household in the Maldives within a year to identify individuals requiring special assistance from the state.