The Ministry of Social and Family Development, in partnership with Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Ltd. (FDC), has formalised an agreement to create an 'Empowerment Hub' aimed at offering comprehensive training and skills development programmes for persons with disabilities. This pioneering initiative represents the first specialised facility of its kind in the Maldives.
The agreement was formalised by Ahmed Athif, Minister of State for Social and Family Development, representing the government, and Hamdhan Shakeel, Managing Director of Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Ltd. (FDC), on behalf of the corporation.
The social and family development ministry has announced that the Empowerment Hub will primarily offer training and skills development programmes for individuals with disabilities aged 18 to 40. The facility's chief aim is to identify the specific training and skills development needs of these individuals following their completion of school education.
The facility also seeks to support persons with disabilities in acquiring essential employment skills, offering valuable work experience, and promoting their economic independence. The Empowerment Hub will foster an environment that empowers persons with disabilities to actively participate in the community and contribute as productive citizens, the ministry said.
The facility, slated for construction on a 5,500 square foot plot in Phase II of Hulhumalé, will boast several amenities to fulfil its mission. Among these are training facilities in the hospitality and culinary arts sectors, including an accessible café. Additionally, there will be an outlet for marketing and selling products crafted by persons with disabilities.
The Empowerment Hub will also encompass three workshop spaces and setups for computer and information technology training. Additionally, social gatherings will be accommodated in a dedicated activity room, and there will be multimedia rooms specifically designed for various uses, according to the ministry.
The facility's development and operationalisation are expected to be finalised by the year's end. It will be equipped with all essential accessibility features to fully meet the needs of persons with disabilities.
The ministry highlighted the crucial role of collaboration with civil society organisations and agencies that provide services for persons with disabilities in ensuring the success of the Empowerment Hub. To facilitate this, the ministry has announced plans to hold meetings in the near future to share detailed information about the services to be offered at the new facility with the relevant civil society organisations.