Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali has revealed that the Zakat Nafaa programme will be launched in Nolhivaram, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The Zakat Nafaa programme is a joint venture between the Islamic ministry and the Ministry of Economic Development. It is the largest such programme to commence with the aim of ending poverty in the Maldives. The programme is aimed at the 7,763 individuals who were registered as poor in 2021. The programme provides opportunities for underprivileged individuals to support themselves, thereby eliminating the need for the register of the poor and needy.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister Zahir said the Zakat Nafaa programme will be launched by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in Nolhivaram. He also said there will be five households participating in the programme from the island. As such, he said four households will be assisted in farming and one household will be assisted in sewing, under the programme.
Additionally, Minister Zahir said the programme is split into different phases and the first phase is targeted at the 96 islands in the Maldives that have less than 10 households registered as poor. He said there are 350 such households in these islands and that participants of the programme will receive financial assistance as well as training and resources. He added that each household will receive up to USD9,700 and that USD97,000 has been allocated for the programme.
The assistance provided under the programme is free of charge. The government estimates that the first phase of the programme will eliminate the 96 islands from the register of the poor and needy. The programme is dedicated to ending poverty by assisting those in the register and discussions have been held with local councils to provide the full support participants of the programme need to become self-sufficient. The final phase of the programme will target the poorest islands.