The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services, in collaboration with Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding and launched the “Empowerment Hub” project to provide training and skills development for people with disabilities in an inclusive environment. The ‘Empowerment Hub’, a first-of-its-kind service in the Maldives, is an initiative by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services in partnership with Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Limited to create an inclusive and empowering society for people with disabilities.
According to the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services, the services of this facility are targeted at individuals between the ages of 18-40. The aim of the Empowerment Hub is to identify the needs of people with disabilities entering society after completing their schooling, develop their skills, provide work experience, and create opportunities for economic independence. Additionally, one of the important objectives of this hub is to provide opportunities for these individuals to participate meaningfully in society with independence.
The hub, which will be opened in Hulhumale’ Phase 2 with a total area of 5,500 square feet, will include an inclusive café for hospitality and culinary training and work experience, and a store open to the public for marketing and selling various products made by people with disabilities. The hub also includes 3 workshop spaces for running different programs related to the interests and skills development of the participants, as well as a computer and information technology training area. In addition, the hub will have an activity room and a multimedia room for conducting various activities to strengthen social connections.
The hub, planned to open this year, has given special importance to the accessibility for people with disabilities. The success of the Empowerment Hub is linked to the participation and cooperation of civil society organizations, service providers for people with disabilities, and people with disabilities themselves. The Ministry has stated that arrangements will be made to conduct consultation and information sessions about this project in the future.
