The Journey of Progress and Promise for Children
“As we reach mid-year, I am proud to highlight the progress UNICEF Maldives has made with Government and partners in advancing the rights and wellbeing of children across the country.
In this issue of the UNICEF Maldives Newsletter, I invite you to read more about the progress we have made in the areas of child protection, mental health and wellbeing, addressing the impacts of the climate crisis and more.
Amongst the main highlights of this quarter that I would like to direct you to, are updates on the process UNICEF is co-leading with the Government to formulate and validate the National Action Plan on Violence against Children as part of our “Rakkaatheri: Violence Against Children” flagship programme.
This quarter also saw key moments such as the World Environment Day on which we launched the “CLEAN” initiative which aims to engage and empower more children and young people in building a safe and healthy environment. Another key moment was the Global Parenting Month that we just wrapped up in June, where our digital engagement focused on providing information, insights and tips to support parents provide their children with a safe and loving environment to grow up in.
Noteworthy work was also done to promote children and young people’s health and wellbeing in line with our “KaigenHingamaa: Health and Nutrition” and the “Kihineh: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention” flagships programmes. From policy forums and collective impact platforms to teacher trainings and wellbeing hangouts, you can find out more about initiatives carried in both Male’ and the Atolls.
From policy advocacy efforts to working closely with children and communities through our “Kudhinnaa Gaathun” initiative in Laamu, Vaavu, Seenu and Baa Atoll, this issue highlights the work team UNICEF has been doing on the ground over the past three months.
Before I leave you to read more about our work, I would like to note that none of these strides would be possible without our partners and supporters. I express my sincere gratitude to all of you, and let’s continue to work together to help every child reach their full potential.”
- Dr. Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives
Kudhinnaa Gaathun - Aharumen Beynunvaa Rah
As part of the ‘Kudhinnaa Gaathun’ initiative, UNICEF conducted missions to L. Gan, B. Eydhafushi, V. Felidhoo, and S. Hithadhoo this quarter. These missions aimed to understand the context of children in these islands and work with the island leadership on how best we can bring flagship programs closer to local communities, especially children, young people, and their parents in a sustainable way.
UNICEF's Kudhinnaa Gaathun initiative aims to bridge the gap between policies and implementation and empower communities and government partners to build a child-friendly, climate-resilient island, for every child.
Bridging the gap - ICSRI Panel Discussion
UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Social and Family Development contributed to The International Conference on Social Research & Innovation, hosted by Villa College. Our engagement included a panel discussion on "Kudhinnaa Gaathun – Programmatic Innovation in Bridging the Policy Implementation Gap."
The panel was moderated by one of our very own Youth Reference Group Members and Interns, Ms. Ish’ha Loreef.
Beleniveriyaa - Positive Parenting Programme
Global Parenting Month
This year, UNICEF Maldives and the Ministry of Education joined hands to kick off the global parenting month celebrations. Together, we conducted training sessions for facilitators to introduce them to universal packages designed for parents of children across various age groups.
On 11 June, we celebrated the first International Day of Play. In honour of this day, UNICEF is pleased to have supported 7 pre-schools, Maldives Autism Association, and Fiyavathi Shelter in encouraging teachers and caregivers to prioritize play for children. Additionally, we developed a video and specialized toolkit aimed at promoting play as a fundamental aspect of child development. Produced by UNICEF Maldives, this toolkit offers practical play ideas and insights into how play enhances children's cognitive, emotional, and social growth, tailored specifically to the Maldivian context.
As part of the ongoing Joint Positive Parenting Programme co-led by the Government, facilitator training sessions were also conducted in Laamu, Shaviyani, and Raa Atoll. These trained facilitators will play a crucial role in delivering the universal parenting modules developed under this Programme and promoting positive parenting practices.
Supporting parents in a changing world
UNICEF and the Ministry of Education collaborated with partners to establish effective delivery mechanisms for the positive parenting modules of the Joint Programme as well. A workshop brought together key stakeholders to design and discuss these mechanisms, aiming to make the positive parenting program accessible, effective, and sustainable.
We also brought together the steering committee of the #Beleniveriya programme to validate the parenting packages. This workshop aimed to ensure that these packages were designed to equip parents and caregivers with the necessary tools and resources to provide optimal care for their children.
“Being a parent is not always easy in a changing world. Parents need knowledge, skills, and tools to help them provide their children with the right care, and support they need to grow up to be kind, and compassionate individuals.” – UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai
Kihineh? - Mental Health and Preventing Substance Abuse
Helping Adolescents Thrive
A successful Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) advocacy session brought together management teams from six schools across the Maldives to work with UNICEF to build environments where adolescents can thrive emotionally and socially. By working closely with school leaders, we are implementing best practices and innovative strategies to support students' overall development and well-being.
In addition, a multisectoral stakeholder consultation was held focusing on enhancing mental health referral pathways and coordination mechanisms. UNICEF, in close partnership with the Ministry of Health, National Centre for Mental Health and partners, aim to work collectively through this platform to address challenges in access to mental health services.
Wellbeing Hangouts
As part of our flagship program on Mental Health and Preventing Substance Abuse, we held two 'Wellbeing Hangouts' this quarter, in collaboration with the Society for Health Education and The Wellness Club. These hangouts serve as safe spaces for young people to come together, discuss mental health, debunk misconceptions, normalize seeking help, and have open conversations.
Participants engaged in discussions about recognizing behaviors that signify safety and respect, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and incorporating mindful movement and good nutrition to boost mental wellbeing.
Promoting mental health in Kulhudhuffushi City
UNICEF supported the Ministry of Education in training 59 teachers from three schools in Kulhudhuffushi City to deliver mental well-being sessions for children and adolescents in schools.
Additionally, we held an advocacy session for stakeholders in Kulhudhuffushi City to identify entry points for community-based well-being sessions. This initiative focuses on building resilience and healthy coping skills among young people, ensuring they have the support they need both in and out of school.
Working together for collective impact on promoting mental health and preventing substance abuse
UNICEF, the Australian High Commission, Orygen, and the Ministry of Health have been working together to improve the mental health and well-being of children, young people, and communities. As part of this collaboration, we had a series of activities this quarter including,
- A Policy Forum on innovative community-based youth mental healthcare in Maldives where discussions focused on the readiness of existing services, the progress of current plans, and policy opportunities to enhance the mental health system and workforce.
- The first Collective Impact Platform meeting for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention was held where multisectoral partners convened to promote the mental health of children and young people through coordinated efforts and a shared vision.
Climate Resilient Actions
Empowering young people to be ‘Climate Guardians’
CLEAN unveiling event
On the occasion of World Environment Day 2024, UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy, Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and the Waste Management Corporation (WAMCO), unveiled the "CLEAN" campaign.
The day began with a beach cleanup, where participants collected and sorted waste. The collected trash was then handed over to Parley. A highlight of the event was the creative involvement of students from Salahuddin School grades 5-6, who designed and constructed innovative upcycled exhibits. These exhibits were showcased later in the day.
This initiative aims to engage children and young people in promoting a clean environment and contributes to the national waste and resource management program, “Magey Saafu Raajje”.
This collaborative effort with partners seeks to empower the younger generation to play an active role in environmental protection, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility toward preserving our planet for future generations.
We had an initial session with a group of young people from Laamu to kick off the Climate Guardians initiative. This initiative, part of UNICEF Maldives' Climate Resilient Actions flagship program, aims to provide young climate advocates across the Maldives with knowledge, skills and tools to engage in the climate space, and take action in their islands. Young people are key to building a greener, more resilient future for Maldives.
Rakkaatheri - Preventing and Responding to Violence against Children
Addressing juvenile crime and bullying prevention
UNICEF, in partnership with the Maldives Police Service, and the Ministry of Education undertook a trip to Fuvahmulah City to address critical child protection issues including children in conflict with the law and bullying in schools. During this trip,
- Partners working on juvenile crime prevention and early intervention in the City convened for the initial workshop on working together to tailor and rollout interventions for vulnerable children and families at risk.
- Taking into account the severe and long-lasting impacts bullying can have on children’s physical and mental health, education, and future, consultations were held with students, teachers, and parents to design a comprehensive bullying prevention program for four selected schools in the City to make them safer to learn.
National Conference on Violence against Children
UNICEF is co-leading the National Conference on Violence against Children with the Ministry of Social and Family Development, which entails development and validation of the National Action Plan 2024-2028 on Prevention and Responding to Violence Against Children. This quarter, technical sessions were held with partners to develop the plan.
UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai, encouraged participants to focus discussions on 3 key areas:
Commitments to zero tolerance, increased investments in prevention and working together.
High-impact, rapid delivery programmes that bring positive change in every island.
Conditions for success including collective leadership of all actors in addressing violence, social movement to encourage community action, and effectively implementing relevant laws.
The initiative also requires the need for collective leadership, community action, and the effective implementation of relevant laws to create a safer environment for all children.
National Children’s Day
UNICEF worked with Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo Council and Maldives Police Service to mark National Children’s Day through a series of initiatives including an island clean up, swimming and watersports to a children’s evening.
UNICEF Press Statement to mark the day
“As we mark this day, we also remember the children around the world, not least of whom are the children of Gaza, who are living in or fleeing conflict zones. Many are being injured or killed or losing family members. Many of them have been displaced multiple times, risking separation from their families and losing critical years of education. This is crushing their lives and their futures.”
Do you know what our youth advocates have been up to?
UNICEF Maldives' Youth Reference Group recap
UNICEF Maldives’ Youth Reference Group (YRG) have been instrumental in contributing to various events and initiatives, ensuring that young people's voices are central to our work. From engaging in advocacy campaigns to offering feedback on youth-focused initiatives, the YRG's contributions have been essential in enhancing our efforts to support and empower the nation's young people.
Youth leadership in global advocacy
Saani Simaad, 18, a member of UNICEF Maldives' Youth Reference Group, showcased the power of youth representation at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4). Saani represented the children and young people of Maldives, and was one of the youngest youth delegates at the conference advocating for solutions to ensure a safe and resilient future for SIDS.
During the conference, Saani actively participated in the Global Children and Youth Action Summit, representing the Association of Island States (AIS) region. Saani and fellow delegates dedicated themselves to finding solutions and coordinating efforts effectively. Their project presentation received widespread recognition, earning the Golden Pitch Award.
Youth foresight
Fathmath Zahanath Zuhury, a member of UNICEF Maldives' Youth Reference Group, from the UNICEF Youth Foresight Fellowship led a workshop with young participants to address the crucial need for foresight in Maldivian education planning. Given the high rate of internal migration to Male' due to difficulties in access in the atolls, the workshop intended to provide young minds with tools for envisioning and shaping the future of education.
Participants were exposed to foresight principles and the 'Futures Triangle' tool, which allowed them to assess present conditions and difficulties in the Maldivian education system. Through interactive and creative activities, students envisioned their ideal schools for 2050, with an emphasis on providing quality education to all Maldivian children and adolescents.
Kaigen Hin'gamaa
National Health and Nutrition Roundtable
We convened for the third National Health and Nutrition Roundtable, a collaborative effort between UNICEF, the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, the Ministry of Health, and the Health Protection Agency. Through this platform, stakeholders explored strategies for collective action at both the policy level and within communities, striving to empower individuals to adopt and sustain healthier lifestyles.
“We need to make it easy for young people to adopt healthy habits. Children need role models, they need physical activity to remain a core part of their education & safe spaces for physical activity.” – UNICEF Representative to Maldives, Dr. Edward Addai
World Immunization Week
World Immunization Week (WIW) this year was marked by the campaign 'Humanly Possible', a shared sector-wide initiative for immunization action led by UNICEF. Our social media communications during WIW were centered around promoting this campaign, highlighting the importance of immunization in safeguarding the health of our children and communities.
In addition to our digital efforts, we collaborated with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to develop awareness videos covering a range of topics related to immunization. These videos delved into the history of vaccines, highlighting their crucial role in preventing diseases and protecting communities. Furthermore, they addressed common misconceptions and concerns, such as why individuals should get vaccinated even if they are not considered high risk.
Through these combined efforts, we aimed to raise awareness, dispel myths, and encourage participation in immunization programs.
Strengthening Healthcare Capacity
As part of the collaborative project with the Ministry of Health to strengthen healthcare oxygen systems in the Maldives, a two-day training on Standard Operating Practices for integrated oxygen systems was conducted on June 3-4, 2024. This training was led by a regional oxygen consultant from UNICEF, aiming to enhance the capacity of healthcare professionals in managing and maintaining oxygen systems effectively.
Communications and Advocacy
“The country is trying to do well with single-use plastics but it's engulfed with environmental issues, sanitation issues. Along the beaches, you see plastic used, plastics all over the place. It’s a major, major challenge,”
said Dr. Edward Addai, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, in his interview with Channel News Asia.
As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter for the second quarter, we reflect on the progress made together with the Government and our partners in supporting the rights and well-being of children and young people in the Maldives. This quarter has been marked by important initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at fostering a healthier and more secure environment for every child. As we look forward to the next quarter, we remain dedicated to our mission of ensuring a child-friendly and more resilient future for all children in the Maldives. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Upcoming events/key days for Q3:
- World Youth Skills Day
- International Youth Day
- World Breastfeeding Week
- UPSHIFT Virtual Grand Finale
- Violence Against Children Conference (high-level sessions)
- Kudhinnaa Gaathun visits to HDh. Kulhudhuffushi, L.Gan and Fuvahmulah City