Donation will be used wisely – Gender Minister

Minister of Gender and Family Aishath Mohamed Didi has said that moneys donated to Kudakudhinge Hiyaa by Island Aviation shall be used wisely. She made the statement speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Island Aviation’s regional operations held at Male’ International Airport last Friday afternoon. Island Aviation on Friday commenced their regional operations to Trivandrum of India.

“I am very happy to inform you all that moneys donated will be used very wisely and each and every cent of it shall be spent in a manner that will make you proud. Further I would also like inform you that detailed information on how the money is used shall be shared with you” said Gender Minister.

Continuing with her speech she said currently Kudakudhinge Hiyaa is looking after approximately 40 children. She said that although there are children under 12 years, most of the current children in their care are less than 4 years of age.

“Currently we have about 40 children, most of the children are under 4 years although we have children under 12 as well, these are very young children, sometimes children are brought under our care when they are just 7 days old, government is spending a lot of money on looking after these children” said Aishath Mohamed Didi, Gender Minister.

She noted that although the government spends a lot of money on these children, the Fund is also very useful and convenient when it comes to spending large amounts of money. She cited an example of one child who required considerable amount of money in order to receive treatment to her kidney problem.

“One example I would like mention here is that of a child who has a kidney problem, we will make use of the fund to get medical relief for such children although government will also provide necessary assistance” said the Minister.

The symbolic cheque of the proceeds from the sale of the inaugural flight as well as donations from Island Aviation staff was handed over to the Gender Minister Aishath Mohamed Didi by the Managing Director of Island Aviation Bandhu Ibrahim Saleem.

Kudakudhinge Hiyaa is the only alternative care institution established for children below 9 years in Maldives. The home was established by Ministry of Gender and Family with the intention of providing a safe, secure and enabling environment for vulnerable children who has no other means of primary care. The home was opened on 10 May 2006 by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim.