The Journey of Promise and Progress for Children
“Today, as we commence the last quarter of 2024, I am pleased to share with you the third edition of the ‘Journey of Promise and Progress’, the UNICEF Maldives’ Quarterly Newsletter.
From high-level advocacy to working closely with children and young people in communities, this edition brings to you a snapshot of the work our team has been doing on the ground over the past three months.
This quarter, we stepped up our engagement with the Government, Parliament and development partners, to better understand the economic risks Maldives is currently grappling with, its implications for children and parents, and how best UNICEF can support relevant partners to ensure that social services for children and young people are protected as the country navigates these challenges.
UNICEF Maldives’ have also been continuing our work with the Juvenile Justice Sector partners to support them in the complex journey of undertaking legal and operational changes to effectively address the growing issue of children being exploited into crime. We at UNICEF, strongly believe that every child deserves a fair chance, and we will continue to advocate for, and support the Government to ensure that this process is undertaken in a way that Maldives does not slide back on the many gains it has made in realizing children’s rights.
In this issue of the Newsletter, I also welcome you to read more about the significant progress we have made in making education and learning more inclusive and equitable in Maldives. In August, we unveiled support of US$ 6.5 million to the national education transformation agenda ‘THAIBA’, encompassing elements of inclusive education, strengthening basic literacy and numeracy, digital learning, 21st century skills, improving quality of teaching and creating safe schools for every child.
Amongst other key highlights include achievements in the rollout of our Joint Positive Parenting Programme with the Government – ‘Beleniveriyaa’, as well as in our work to leverage the agency of young people in the fight against climate change.
These advancements in our journey of progress and promise for children will not be possible without UNICEF’s partners, supporters, and our dedicated staff. My appreciation goes out to them for their continued commitment and we look forward to working together to help every child reach their full potential."
- UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai
Beleniveriyaa - Positive Parenting
Training of Trainers
The first round of training of trainers of the Beleniveriyaa Programme took place which marked a significant step forward in the rollout of the standardized parenting packages across the Maldives. With 16 participants from Male, Shaviyani, Raa, and Laamu Atolls, the training focused on equipping trainers with the skills and knowledge needed to support and empower parents and caregivers to provide a safe, loving and nurturing environment for their children.
Additionally, the fifth batch of trainings were conducted for relevant social sector stakeholders, which brought together 28 participants, including school counselors, police officers, social workers, public health workers, and representatives working in the justice sector and in the National Drug Agency. The six-day training focused on equipping relevant partners with advanced skills to further support and educate parents on effective parenting practices.
Thu'thukudhinge Kulhivarusamaa
In celebration of the International Day of Play, UNICEF, in collaboration with the National Institute of Education (NIE) and pre-schools in Male Area, hosted the “Thu'thukudhinge Kulhivarusamaa” event. This event emphasized the power of play in children's development and learning and how play supports physical and emotional growth and exploration. By integrating play into both educational settings and home environments, we work to enhance children’s well-being and learning experiences. For more information on fostering playful learning, explore our Power of Play Toolkit.
Parenting Guidance: Virtual Support Sessions
UNICEF also hosted a virtual parenting sessions to support and empower families. These sessions covered topics including, "Breastfeeding" where parents and caregivers engaged with experts to discuss best practices and challenges; and "Positive Meal Times," which focused on making family meals enjoyable and fostering healthy eating habits.
Empowering Parents
Following their training, facilitators from Laamu Atoll commenced the rollout of the Beleniveriyaa sessions in the Atoll. These sessions aim to support and empower parents with practical parenting skills and knowledge. The program focuses on improving family interactions and child development through targeted training and resources, aiming to build a stronger foundation for positive parenting across Maldives.
Kihineh? - Mental Health and Prevention of Substance Abuse
Wellbeing Hangouts for Young People
UNICEF Maldives has been continuing the series of Wellbeing Hangouts to bring together young people to discuss issues that impact their lives and future. In this regard, a Wellbeing Hangout was held at Fuvahmulah City in collaboration with Women in Fuvahmulah (WIF) as well as in Kulhudhuffushi City and Male’, focusing on topics such as financial wellbeing and mental health. These sessions aim to provide a safe space for young people to openly discuss mental health and other issues of concern, share their experiences, and learn about healthy coping mechanisms. Through fun modalities like poetry recitals and other activities, these hangouts offer young people the opportunity to connect, reflect, and build a stronger foundation for personal growth.
Enhancing Mental Health in Schools
As part of the School Mental Health Programme, UNICEF Maldives, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, trained a total of 393 teachers from schools in Hdh. Kulhudhuffushi, L. Gan, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City this quarter to deliver mental wellbeing sessions for children and adolescents. This initiative aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to promote and protect the mental health of students, which is essential for their holistic development.
Capacity Building to Establish Support Groups
This quarter, UNICEF together with the National Centre for Mental Health, conducted a five-day Group Facilitation Training aimed at developing adolescent group facilitation skills for mental health professionals. The training was designed to strengthen group-based interventions and support groups offered to NCMH patients, including adolescents, parents, and caregivers.
Led by Mr. Daniel Palleux from the Swiss Federal University for Vocational Education and Training (SFUVET) in Switzerland, the training provided participants with valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance their ability to manage and lead group therapy sessions more effectively. A total of 20 professionals from the National Centre for Mental Health were successfully trained to conduct group therapy sessions for all age groups more effectively and efficiently.
Climate Resilient Actions
Climate Guardians
What have our Laamu Climate Guardians, now proudly recognized as ThiVeLa (ThimaaveshiLaamu), been working on recently? ThiVeLa has been actively engaged in drafting an action plan designed to enhance climate resilience in their island. They have already started engaging with community leaders to develop targeted solutions to address climate challenges at the community level and are planning a social media campaign to promote climate action and climate education.
UNICEF Maldives also received financial support from Islamic Relief Australia, with the support of UNICEF Australia to further strengthen the work we are doing with children and young people, to leverage their agency in climate and disaster resilience efforts. This boost in resources will positively contribute to expanding the network of Climate Guardians across the country, as well as accelerate the policy advocacy work UNICEF is undertaking with the Government and partners.
Climate Advocacy
As countries undergo the drafting process of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) 3.0, UNICEF is advocating to make this NDC more child- and youth- sensitive and supporting the Government to ensure young people's voices are reflected in the consultation process.
Additionally, UNICEF Maldives commenced the work of drafting an advocacy strategy which will help influence not just the NDC 3.0, but beyond, to make national-level climate regulations and policies child- and youth- sensitive as well.
Kaamiyaabu - Education and Learning
Unveiling of 'THAIBA', the Education Transformation Agenda in Maldives
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with UNICEF Maldives and the World Bank, launched “THAIBA”, the national education transformation agenda, with support of US$9.5 million from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). The Vice President of the Maldives, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, together with the UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera participated in the unveiling of this initiative which aims to enhance equity and inclusion in education through improvements in literacy, numeracy, digital learning, and the creation of safe, supportive learning environments.
The support includes a System Transformation Grant (STG) and a System Capacity Grant (SCG), with UNICEF serving as the grant agent, and a Multiplier Grant for which the World Bank is the grant agent. Together, the grants seek to ensure that every child, no matter who they are and where they live, must have access to quality education and relevant skills for work and life.
“To evolve Maldives’ education system, we must invest in every child and every young person. We must prepare them to adapt to a climate changed world and navigate the technology that will be ever more prevalent in our lives. And that is exactly what this collaboration with the Government and Global Partnership for Education aims to do – safeguard the excellent progress to date while accelerating this much-needed transformation. We want to see every child, including girls, and children living with disabilities learning and thriving.” - Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia
Lauching of "TechPath" - the Digital Learning Agenda
UNICEF Maldives, the UNICEF Innovation and Learning Hub and our partner Google for Education supported the launching of "TechPath", the national digital learning agenda led by the Ministry of Education. This initiative is designed to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy, foster 21st-century skills, and address gaps in access to education, particularly at the higher secondary level. The pilot round of "TechPath" will benefit 1,690 students from across 15 schools in the Maldives, with the broader vision of reaching every school and child with quality education through digital solutions.
“Today, we take a significant step towards empowering our children with the tools they need to thrive in a digital world. The devices are not just tools; they are gateways to creativity, innovation, and a bright future. UNICEF is proud to support the Government of the Maldives in fostering a generation of learners who are equipped to solve the challenges of tomorrow." - UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai
The first initiative in the rollout of the "TechPath" was training educators from the 15 pilot schools. The trainings focused on leveraging Google-powered AI tools to enhance teaching and learning, utilizing digital content and Google Classroom for accessibility, and exploring engaging tools to improve foundational and 21st-century skills. Additionally, teachers learned about accessibility features on Chromebooks and Google Workspace.
Kaigen Hin'gamaa - Health and Nutrition
First 1000 Days of Life Recipe Book
In partnership with the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the Ministry of Health, and Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC), we launched the 'Minheyo Kaanaa' - A parents' guide to feeding their children in the First 1000 Days of Life. This comprehensive guide aims to support parents as they embark on the crucial journey of introducing baby food and toddler meals. By providing affordable, practical recipes and nutritional guidance, the book addresses the key developmental stages during the first 1000 days of a child's life, helping parents make informed choices and ensure their children receive a balanced and healthy start.
Empowering Sports Officials
An orientation session was held for 28 swimming coaches, focusing on the Kaigen Hin’gamaa and Kihineh? flagships. This comprehensive training aimed to equip the coaches with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively integrate and communicate essential messages related to these initiatives during their swim training sessions. The goal was to encourage coaches to incorporate the key objectives and information of the two flagship programmes into their coaching practices, thereby maximizing the outreach of our messaging on health, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
Breastfeeding Counseling
As part of World Breastfeeding Week, we held a 3-day breastfeeding counseling workshop in August, organized by the Reproductive Health Center of Indira Ghandi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in partnership with the Health Protection Agency (HPA). This workshop aimed to enhance the proficiency of healthcare professionals in delivering expert breastfeeding support. Through comprehensive training and skill-building sessions, participants are now better equipped to provide the guidance and support new mothers need and deserve.
Early Identification of Disabilities
UNICEF, together with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Health convened stakeholders working within the Early Identification and Intervention System, to discuss and propose joint solutions to strengthen early identification and intervention of children with disabilities.
We hope that our joint efforts lead to early identification & timely services for children with disabilities, while also making it easier for parents to care for their children & themselves - UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai
Baaruveri: Developing and Engaging Young People
Speak-easy
In collaboration with Sosal, we organized the first session of the "Speak-Easy" series as part of International Youth Day celebrations. This unique event provided a safe and intimate space for young people, aged 16-24, to discuss their aspirations, concerns, and perspectives on the future of work. The conversations focused on the challenges they face during the transition from school to employment and the skills and guidance needed to be work-ready. The valuable insights from the session will contribute to shaping programs aimed at better supporting Maldivian youth as they prepare for the workforce and access opportunities.
International Youth Day
We joined hands with UNFPA Maldives and Villa College to hold a panel discussion for International Youth Day, connecting decision makers and young people, focusing on the Census 2022 data related to education, skills, and employment, particularly addressing the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) population. The event sparked a crucial conversation about the impact of a high NEET rate on national development and examined whether current services and institutions are meeting the diverse needs of Maldivian youth. It also aimed to encourage young people to seize available opportunities and actively participate in shaping outcomes that affect their future.
Connecting young people with opportunities
UNICEF supported four outstanding youth advocates to participate in a 5-day Youth Advocacy Guide training workshop by UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), in Kathmandu, Nepal. Zara Athif, a member of the UNICEF Youth Reference Group, along with Mohamed Hizyam Hamid, Aishath Afa Ali and Hussain Yoosuf took part in this training designed to develop them into “Champion Advocate Trainers.” These new trainers are now equipped to deliver subsequent training to their peers in their communities. This program not only empowers them to tackle pressing issues such as youth development, mental health, and climate change but also helps build a robust network of young leaders ready to drive meaningful change.
Hussain Yoosuf, who is one of UNICEF's Climate Guardians in Kulhudhuffushi City was also provided the opportunity to participate in the Climate Advocacy Workshop, where the UNICEF's climate and advocacy teams from across South Asia came together to develop advocacy strategies to ensure that climate policies and action at the national level are child- and youth- friendly.
Youth Foresight
UNICEF Maldives collaborated with UNICEF Innocenti on the Youth Fellowship Programme. Over the past 10 months, we have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Zahanath Zuhury, a member of UNICEF Maldives' Youth Reference Group, who explored the Future of Education in the Maldives. Through a series of workshops, Zahanath gathered and analyzed insights which are detailed in the Young Visionaries report. This report captures the hopes and concerns of young people about their future, providing valuable perspectives that will guide our efforts in shaping a brighter future for every child. Read the report here.
Girl Leaders
Aishath Raya Rameez, a member of the UNICEF Youth Reference Group, joined the preliminary call for the Global Girl Leaders Advisory Group (GGLAG). The GGLAG, a leadership and advisory body for UNICEF's Adolescent Girls’ Programme Strategy, sought to amplify the importance of girl-centered and girl-led programming. Raya, along with other adolescent girls and young women, will participate in this 18-month commitment to advocate for and address key issues affecting girls today, such as gender-based violence, education access and climate change. The GGLAG will provide advice and feedback on UNICEF's initiatives and strategies, ensuring that the voices of young women like Raya can contribute to shaping impactful policies and programmes.
Rakkaatheri: Prevention and Response to Violence against Children
Child Safe Tourism
This quarter, UNICEF worked with Plan Hotels to conduct Child Safe Tourism trainings for the management and staff of Diamonds Athuruga and Diamonds Thundufushi. The main objective of the training was to equip resort management and staff with essential skills and knowledge to create a safe environment for children and protect them from all forms of violence and exploitation within the tourism industry. The training sessions were designed to further the collaboration with private sector partners to adopt safeguarding standards and build safer industries for children.
Launching of the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence against Children
We are pleased to have supported the Government, led by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, in formulating the National Action Plan on Prevention and Response to Violence Against Children. Spanning across four years from 2024 - 2028, the Action Plan outlines key strategies and actions to bring together partners to build safer homes, schools, communities, online spaces, and industries for children. At the launch of the Action Plan, relevant Government Institutions and UNICEF Maldives reaffirmed our commitment to upholding children's rights, protecting them from exploitation, and ensuring their voices are heard in decisions that shape their future. The Action Plan reflects our shared mission to build a society where every child's safety and wellbeing are respected and protected.
Strengthening the Justice Sector for Children
The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO), with support from UNICEF, has been working to enhance child protection and victim support systems through various important initiatives.
The Prosecutors’ Conference 2024 (PROSCON 2024) focused on child safeguarding, child-centered prosecution, and victim support to enhance the critical role of prosecutors in protecting children from harm. Over 80 prosecutors participated in this conference which focused on treatment of child victims, witnesses, and offenders with care and sensitivity through child centered approaches.
A delegation from the PGO also recently completed a three-week study tour in Perth, Australia, hosted by the Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Kati Kraszlan. The delegation aimed to learn from Western Australia’s best practices in supporting victims of sexual and family violence, with a focus on creating victim-centric policies and expanding services. The study tour strengthened capacities of the PGO to further enhance services for child victims.
Additionally, as part of our work to strengthen child protection systems, UNICEF also assisted the PGO to launch a newsletter entitled ‘Niyaavehi’ - a publication for personnel working in the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems, with the aim of disseminating information related to victim support services including policies and rulings of the Courts.
Social Policy
Situation of Children in Maldives
We proudly launched the “Situation of Children in Maldives” report in collaboration with the Bureau of Statistics, which provides an in-depth analysis of the Census 2022 data from a child-focused perspective. This comprehensive analysis aims to enhance our understanding of the current realities faced by children in the Maldives. By leveraging this data, we can work more effectively with the Government and our partners to tailor and strengthen our interventions, ensuring they are grounded in evidence and better address the diverse needs and challenges that children encounter.
Island Profile Dashboards
As part of our ongoing efforts to bring UNICEF’s programs closer to children and communities, we supported the training of 20 Government officials. This training focused on developing Island Profile Dashboards to better assess the impact of reforms on vulnerable children. By equipping officials with the tools to evaluate and monitor these impacts, we aim to enhance the effectiveness of our interventions and ensure that they are meeting the needs of those who are most in need.
Kudhinnaa Gaathun - Aharumen Beynunvaa Rah
Kudhinnaa Gaathun Forum
This quarter saw the first ever Kudhinnaa Gaathun Forum held in partnership with the Local Government Authority of Maldives. The forum brought together the leadership of the 10 pathfinder islands UNICEF has initiated work with under the Kudhinnaa Gaathun - Aharemen Beynunvaa Rah Strategy.
The forum provided an in-depth understanding of UNICEF’s flagship programs, allowing councils to identify and prioritize interventions that are most relevant for their context, and integrate these plans into the Island and City Development Plans, to ensure a sustainable road towards a child-friendly and climate-resilient island for every child.
Kudhinnaa Gaathun Missions
As part of the work under the Kudhinnaa Gaathun - Aharemen Beynunvaa Rah Strategy, UNICEF also continued discussions with specific islands including Kulhudhuffushi and Addu City Councils. In Kulhudhuffushi City, the focus was on aligning flagship programs with the city’s development plan, identifying priority activities, and exploring future collaboration opportunities to create a safe, child-friendly, and climate-resilient island.
In Addu City, the initial visit focused on identifying the specific challenges faced by children in S. Hithadhoo and discussing ways to bring UNICEF's flagship programs and services closer to children, families and communities.
Communications and Advocacy
High-level Advocacy
This Quarter also saw increased engagement with the Vice President, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament and Members on three key priority areas for UNICEF Maldives.
- Firstly, in the face of the economic risks Maldives is facing, UNICEF is having conversations with the relevant Government institutions and Parliament Members to understand the upcoming reforms, as well as advocate for, and support the safeguarding of basic social services for children and families. Our priority is to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected, and Maldives does not slide back on the many gains made in child rights.
- Secondly, UNICEF Maldives is also working with the Juvenile Justice Sector, spearheaded by the Minister of Homeland Security and Technology. While we welcome the efforts being carried out to strengthen the sector, we continued our advocacy for increased investment in and prioritize the prevention, early intervention, rehabilitation and reintegration mechanisms outlined in the Juvenile Justice Act, as opposed to reduction of the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
- Thirdly, our Regional Director and Representative to Maldives were accompanied by one of the Youth Climate Advocates that work with UNICEF Maldives, Fathmath Raaia, to push for an NDC 3.0 that is more child- and youth- sensitive, and to work with the Ministry in consulting with young people in its development process.
Social Media Engagement
Social Media Collaborations
Stay Informed with Kihineh?
We are excited to rollout our collaborative work with the Government of Maldives, led by the National Centre for Mental Health to combat stereotypes and stigma associated with mental health. Follow us on X, Instagram, and Facebook and stay tuned for important tips, resources, and information on how we can all support mental well-being in our community.
Team UNICEF
This quarter we bid farewell to one of our dedicated young interns, Ish'ha Loreef. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
We have also had some exciting new additions to our team, including Fathimath Lamya Imthiyaz and Sushil Upreti joining the education section in July and we welcomed Meaza Woldearegay from UNICEF Ethiopia to our Operations Team on a 3-month staff exchange.
Looking ahead
As we conclude this edition of our Q3 newsletter, we reflect on a period of innovation, resilience, and strengthened partnerships. Looking ahead, we are energized by the opportunities the final quarter will bring to deepen these efforts and ensure that every child can thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. Your continued support remains invaluable to our shared mission to protect the rights and wellbeing of every child.
Upcoming events / key days for Q3:
- World Teacher's Day
- Youth Track to COP29
- World Mental Health Day
- International Day of the Girl
- Child Abuse Prevention Day
- World Children's Day
- International day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
- International Day of Persons With Disabilities
- UNICEF Day