The Ministry of Education has decided to launch a special programme focused on mental health for school children.
Schools play a crucial role in teaching essential life skills and shaping individuals into successful members of society. One of the most important goals is ensuring that children are mentally healthy and self-confident. The ministry is placing special emphasis on transforming schools into environments where students are prepared to handle life’s challenges. As children grow, their thoughts and perspectives evolve, and various factors within their family and environment can have diverse psychological impacts. To address these issues, the ministry is introducing a comprehensive mental health program to better equip students to face such challenges.
The primary aim of the programme is to help children develop the mental resilience needed to face age-related challenges. The ministry noted that many children struggle to manage emotions such as conflict, anger, and sadness, with some even contemplating self-harm in extreme cases. To address these issues, the programme will be implemented across all government schools and grades. The initiative is designed to help students cope with challenging emotions within the school setting, fostering their mental well-being.
The ministry has announced plans to hire a consultancy firm to support the programme. The project, in collaboration with UNICEF, will also produce educational materials on mental health. Interested organisations are invited to submit their proposals by 1 October 2024.
Education Ministry to launch a mental health programme for school children
DBM’s Chairperson and CEO holds fruitful talks with the President
The Chairperson Aruni Goonetilleke and CEO Noel Gregor Paterson-Jones of the Development Bank of Maldives Limited (DBM) has held a fruitful discussion with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu about ways to improve and diversify the Maldivian economy. The discussions were held during the chairperson and CEO’s courtesy call on the President.
During the meeting that took place at the President’s Office, President Dr Muizzu, the Chairperson and CEO of DBM held discussion on ways to improve and diversify the Maldivian economy, drawing on the Chairperson and CEO’s extensive knowledge and experience in the field.
Chairperson Aruni Goonetilleke is a financial services expert with over 25 years of experience in global financial markets, specializing in business origination, governance, credit assessment, and risk management in emerging markets. Her background includes transformational roles in Corporate Banking, Credit, Risk Management, and Internal Audit across international and Sri Lankan banks. She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) from Harvard University.
CEO Noel Gregor Paterson-Jones has been a key figure in green investments, leading the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund in Saudi Arabia as Chief Investment Officer. He also chairs the Electric Vehicle Africa Fund and manages clean energy projects in Southeast Asia, demonstrating his expertise in green finance and infrastructure development. He holds a M Phil Management Studies from Oxford University, U.K.
The Development Bank of the Maldives Limited was established on May 16, 2024, in alignment with the President’s Pledge. It aims to enhance the attractiveness of foreign currency deposits within the domestic banking system. The bank’s mission is to invest in sustainable economic and social development, raise funds for infrastructure projects aligned with government policies, and address challenges in financing Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) projects through syndication finance.
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Gov’t plans to enhance prestige of Quran Competition: Vice President
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has stated that the prestige of the National Quran Competition will be enhanced under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The remarks were delivered by the vice president during the inaugural ceremony of the 36th National Quran Competition.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President stated that the National Quran Competition is the most prestigious competition related to the Holy Quran in the nation, adding that the government aims to improve the competition year by year.
The Vice President mentioned that one of the main goals of President Dr. Muizzu, is to build a nation that embraces Islamic values. He also highlighted that there has been an increasing focus on Islamic affairs within the nation, over the past seven months. The Vice President highlighted the government has provided opportunities for young children and Quran students to improve their Quran recitation skills and perform prayers in mosques. Additionally, the Government aims to expand Quran teaching classes and provide further support and incentives to children who memorise the Quran.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President urged people not to view the recitation of the Quran as just preparation for a competition, but as an act of worship. He also encouraged everyone to make time to recite a portion of the Quran every day. He emphasised the importance of reciting the Quran properly and understanding its meaning.
A total of 1,029 participants from 119 institutions will compete in the National Quran Competition this year. The competition was open for all Atoll Councils, City Councils, Quran classes and for Hafiz’s. As such, while a total of 365 students will compete from 52 schools, 357 individuals will participate, representing their respective Councils, while 292 individuals will compete from other institutions. Additionally, 15 individuals will be participating in the Hafiz’s category as well.
The prestigious competition will take place in two halls of King Salman Mosque; the auditorium and the multi-purpose hall. The National Center for the Holy Quran has disclosed that participants will be performing in the morning from 0800hrs to 1200hrs, in the evening from 1600hrs to 1800hrs and during the night from 2000hrs to 2230hrs. It further revealed that individuals who are scheduled to perform during fridays, will only perform during the evening and night.
Maldives-China currency settlement discussions ongoing
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed has held discussions with the People’s Bank of China to explore ways to facilitate trade using the currencies of both countries. This discussions were held during Minister Saeed’s official visit to China, reflecting the Maldives’ strategic focus on enhancing bilateral trade relationships.
Minister Saeed highlighted that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the Maldivian government are prioritising currency settlement arrangements with major trading partners. The aim is to simplify and boost trade by using local currencies. As part of this effort, Minister Saeed engaged in discussions with the People’s Bank of China to explore the feasibility of conducting business transactions using the Maldivian rufiyaa and the Chinese yuan.
On June 25, Minister Saeed met with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to establish a currency settlement system between China and the Maldives. He expressed confidence that using local currency for transactions would enhance the value of the Maldivian rufiyaa.
During President Dr. Muizzu’s official visit to China last January, several key trade and development agreements were signed, including the Blue Economy Corporation Agreement, the Digital Sector Development Agreement, and the Belt and Road Corporation Agreement. These agreements aim to foster economic growth and cooperation between the two nations.
Additionally, the Maldives signed a free trade agreement with China in 2017. However, its implementation was delayed by the previous administration. President Muizzu’s government has committed to enforcing the free trade agreement with China this year.
The Maldives imports approximately USD 700 million worth of goods from China annually, underscoring the importance of effective currency settlement systems for facilitating and optimising trade relations between the two countries.
Tourism Minister projects 2.5 million tourists for Maldives in 2025
Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal has announced ambitious projections for the Maldivian tourism sector, expecting at least 2.5 million tourist arrivals in 2025. This statement was made during a ceremony at Velana International Airport (VIA), where the minister welcomed the one millionth tourist of the current year.
The government aims to attract 2 million tourists in 2024. With the Maldives already hosting 1 million tourists this year, efforts are intensifying to boost tourist numbers further.
Minister Faisal highlighted that the marketing plan for next year is currently in preparation, and the final figures will be determined upon its completion. However, he is confident in setting a target of at least 2.5 million tourist arrivals for 2025. He expressed the target is to bring at least 2.5 million tourists by 2025 acknowledging arrivals from China are increasing significantly. He further noted efforts are underway to explore Indian market and the developing Bangladesh market.
To support this goal, Minister Faisal plans to collaborate closely with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) to increase tourist inflows from India. He noted that the number of Indian tourists is expected to rise by the end of this year.
Furthermore, Minister Faisal announced that the new terminal at Velana International Airport is scheduled to open in November this year, with all works expected to be completed within the first quarter of the next year. This development is anticipated to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the airport, supporting the projected increase in tourist arrivals.
The Maldives continues to position itself as a premier tourist destination, leveraging its strategic marketing initiatives and infrastructure development to achieve these ambitious targets.
Gov’t opens opportunity to participate in Kandu Roadi Ufaa Festival
The Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources has announced that registration is now open for the “Kandu Roadi Ufaa” festival, organised to celebrate World Oceans Day.
World Oceans Day will be celebrated on June 8, and the ministry is hosting this festival as part of the celebrations. The festival, which features a carnival-like atmosphere, aims to educate children and young people through engaging activities, sports, and other interactive events. It will be held at the beach area in Hulhumale’ Phase I.
Participation in the festival is open to institutions, clubs, associations, and individuals. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their completed application forms by May 30.
The ministry is also collaborating with local councils and organisations to facilitate beach activities on various islands across the country. To further commemorate Oceans Day, an essay writing competition and a drawing competition will be held. There will also be a social media campaign to share information about the country’s shoreline.