Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services, on Wednesday, announced that a total of 16 children, previously under state care at Fiyavathi in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale’ and Kudakudhinge Hiyaa in fifth ward Vilimale’, were relocated to the “Amaan Hiyaa” orphanage in Funadhoo, Shaviyani Atoll.
According to the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services, the move is part of a relocation programme initiated by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, to provide a safer and healthier environment for children placed under state care.
Special Advisor on Social Policies at the President’s Office Dr Musthafa Luthfee and Minister of State for Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Rasheed accompanied the children during their relocation to Funadhoo, on a seaplane operated by Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA).
Gender ministry revealed that the relocations aim to provide every child with equal opportunities to grow amongst a loving community, instead of raising them in the congested environment of capital Male’.
The ministry further noted that the relocations will help strengthen the bonds between children of the same family, which are hindered due to the separation they experience as older siblings are transferred to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa when they turn 13-years-old.
Since every Amaan Hiyaa is specially built for a small number of children, Gender Ministry noted that every child is guaranteed all the services and attention they will require.
In late December, the government relocated the first batch of children under state care to to the island of Eydhafushi in Baa Atoll.
In addition to Funadhoo and Eydhafushi, the state also plans to relocate children to Dhihdhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll and Fuvahmulah, where further Amaan Hiyaa residences will be established.
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