Beleniveriyaa: Positive parenting

From their earliest moments, children look to their parents and caregivers for nutrition, love, care and engagement. With positive parenting, children can learn, play, explore, grow and thrive.

But positive parenting is not always easy. It requires time, skills and knowledge. Sometimes it requires help.

That’s why UNICEF Maldives has launched Beleniveriyaa, a flagship initiative that helps parents and caregivers develop the tools and knowledge they need.

Providing nurturing care

Beleniveriyaa means parent or caregiver.

The goal of the flagship is to help make sure children and young people’s homes are nurturing and supportive environments for them to learn, grow and thrive.

The flagship focuses on establishing a unified positive parenting programme that is shared by critical service providers, families and community leaders throughout Maldives. To achieve this goal, UNICEF is co-leading with the Ministry of Education, supported by multiple government ministries working in the areas of social and family development, , Islamic affairs, juvenile justice, law enforcement and health.

The programme features packages of guidance targeted for parents and caregivers. Each package focuses on different stages of a child’s development: early childhood, middle childhood and adolescence. The approach draws on sociology models and Islamic teachings, highlighting the importance of communication and interaction between children and their parents. The purpose is to fortify parents and caregivers with tools to raise  resilient children who grow up to be responsible and engaged citizens.

The curriculum is taught by trained facilitators working in local councils, schools, health facilities, , law enforcement agencies, religious institutions and civil society organizations.