A total of 27 children from Kudakudhinge Hiya has successfully completed the Leadership Development Programme organized by the Ministry of Gender and Family in collaboration with Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Minister of Gender and Family H.E. Zenysha Shaheed Zaki, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shiyam and senior officials from the MNDF, Ministry and Kudakudhinge Hiya participated in the special ceremony held today to conclude the programme.
The programme, aimed at children above the age of 13, was held from 6-8 July 2017, and covered a range of topics including leadership skills, teamwork, firefighting skills, basic first aid and awareness on precautionary measures at sea.
Speaking at the event, Minister Zenysha noted the importance of children living in shelters to learn respect, leadership and life skills. She also thanked MNDF for the continued assistance and support to the Ministry, to enhance the lives of children in shelters.
Addressing the participants, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shiyam reiterated the support of MNDF in organizing skills development programmes in partnership with the Ministry, to empower children to face challenges and to build their self-esteem and self-confidence.
Delivering the vote of thanks at the event, a participant from Kudakudhinge Hiya highlighted the knowledge and skills acquired from the training and pledged to share them with younger children at the shelter.
The Ministry currently provides shelter to a total of 66 children between the ages of 10-18 years, at Kudakudhinge Hiya and Amaan Hiya in Villimale’.
09 July 2017