Kudakudhinge
Hiya
Since the initial setting up of the Unit for the Rights of the
Child (URC) in 1992- now known as the Child and Family Protection
Services (CFPS) - it has been recognized that the principal constraint
in working with abuse and neglected children was the unavailability
of alternative care institutions in the Maldives. Although Education
and Training Centre for Children (ETCC) for boys has been established
for some time, it facilitates juvenile delinquents and those
deprived of primary care. There was no alternative care institution
for children below 9 years of age.
Kudakudhinge Hiya
For this reason, an alternative care home for children below
the age of 9 years., ‘Kudakudhinge Hiya’ was established by the
Ministry of Gender and Family with much gratified support from
Crown Company Pvt. Ltd., with the aim of providing a safe and
secure environment for orphans and vulnerable children deprived
from other means of primary care. Kudakudhinge Hiya is located
at the Villingili ward of Male’ and was officially opened by
His Excellency President Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom and Madam Nasreena
Ibrahim on 11th May 2006.
However the home’s operations were started on 7th October 2004
under the Ministry of Gender and Family prior to the opening
of this new building.
Children at Kudakudhinge Hiya
Currently, Kudakudhinge Hiya has the capacity to house 45 children
with possibility to increase its capacity to accommodate 60 children
with additional resources. At present, it is providing care for
31 children from 8 families. These children consists of orphans,
children who’s parents or guardians are victims of severe abuse,
children whose parents or guardians have been arrested for major
crimes or are serving jail sentences and children found unaccompanied
on streets and public places are provided care until their guardians
are located.
Children in Kudakudhinge Hiya are educated and parented, in
conformity with Islam and Maldivian culture, to enhance their
potential.
Staff at Kudakudhinge Hiya
There are 41 staff members at Kudakudhinge Hiya consisting of
administrative staff, child care coordinators, child care workers,
a counsellor, kitchen staff, janitorial staff and security staff.
Public Contributions
Kudakudhinge Hiya has received several contributions from a
number of generous individuals and parties since its establishment
indicating the degree of advocacy by the Maldivian public.
Guidelines for public contributions are currently being drafted.
However donations can still be made by contacting the Ministry
of Gender and Family. Any such donations would be significantly
valued. |
