The government has visited and gathered information of over 12,000 families under its 'Haalu Kihineh?' programme thus far, the Minister of Social and Family Development, Dr Aishath Shiham revealed Thursday.
The initiative launched in May last year involves visiting residents across all islands in the Maldives to assess their well-being, identify individuals in need, and provide necessary services.
Speaking during a press conference, the Minister said the programme has been well received by the public.
The programme has provided a great opportunity for the people to share their concerns and challenges directly with the officials of the Ministry, she said, adding that information from dozens of islands have been gathered so far.
"We have gathered data from more than 12,000 households which includes over 40 islands. Data collection is underway from another 30 islands,” Minister Dr Aishath Shiham said.
According to the Minister, efforts are also underway to establish a database to maintain the information gathered through this programme.
She also revealed that over 200 officials have been trained under the ‘Ijuthimaaee Badhahi Madhadhuverin’ (Ibama) programme. Ibama focuses on bolstering social security through a meticulous monitoring system and collaboration with relevant administrative bodies.
Providing an update on the ‘Family for Every Child’ programme, the Minister said 67 children under state care have been placed with families. The government aims to ensure that no child is excluded from society and that they have the opportunity to grow up experiencing family care. Under the Family for Every Child programme, children who are facing challenges in returning to their birth family will be transferred to a temporary family environment.
"The fostering programme has been widely received. The families who take the children are looking after them very well. There are already 35 more people who have applied to foster these children,” she said.