The government, on Thursday, relocated 17 children under state-care in Kudakudhinge Hiyaa and Fiyavathi, which are located in Vilimale’ and reclaimed Hulhumale’ in the capital region respectively, to the island of Eydhafushi in Baa 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.
The children relocated to Eydhafushi were accompanied by the Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi herself. On the island, the children will be housed in a residence dubbed ‘Amaan Hiyaa’, established by the government.
In addition to Eydhafushi, the state also plans to relocate children to Dhihdhoo in Haa Alif Atoll, Funadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu Atoll and Fuvahmulah, where further Amaan Hiyaa residences will be established.
Gender Ministry revealed that each Amaan Hiyaa comprises of a two-storey building, with enough rooms to accommodate two children per room. In addition, the building features a dining room, a library, an internet café and a health room.
Over 30 employees, including caretakers, will reside in the neighbouring administrative building as well, the ministry said.
Speaking to local media Mihaaru, Gender Minister Aishath stated that the motive of this relocation is to shift the children to a spacious environment from the congested living blocks in Male’ region, and ensure that they receive love and care from the public.
The minister stated that the children in Amaan Hiyaa will have the opportunities that all children share, in addition to visiting other families and play-time with other children.
“However, caretakers will always be around them. The children will be monitored by the council, the health facilities, the school and police”, she added, noting that the children’s protection will be guaranteed.
Since the state assumes responsibility for children with negligent or imprisoned parents, or children removed from abusive environments, the minister noted that every child under state-care suffers from several traumatic events and mental distress.
In order to tackle this matter, Aishath stated that the children will be cared for by counsellors and other relevant service providers.
She further mentioned that the relocation also aimed to maintain the familial connections between the children, as many of the children are brought in from the same families.
However, once they reach 13 years of age, the children in Fiyavathi are shifted to the Kudakudhinge Hiyaa in Vilimale’, where they remain until they come of legal age.
Admitting that the policy affected sibling relationships, Aisha noted that the government’s new project of relocating the minors to islands will prevent such separations.
She revealed that the children relocated to Eydhafushi belong to four different families, from both Fiyavathi and Kudakudhinge Hiyaa.
Gender Ministry revealed that the Amaan Hiyaa residences located in other islands will be unveiled shortly and children will be shifted to their new homes within the next year.
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