Kudhinnaa Gaathun
Every right for every child from every island
Of the 1,190 small coral islands that make up Maldives, 182 are inhabited. That is 182 island communities where children have the right to live, play, learn and grow.
And it is 182 islands where communities, governments and partners need to work together to make sure every child – regardless of where she lives or who he is – has access to the services they need to reach their full potential.
UNICEF and partners are implementing a series of critical flagship initiatives that contribute to the development and well-being of children and young people. To make sure these initiatives reach island communities, we have embarked on a targeted project to make sure they also address inequities that can arise in access to social services.
Closer to children
The initiative, Kudhinnaa Gaathun – Aharemen Beynunvaa Rah, translates from Dhivehi to: Closer to children – the island we want.
It aims to bridge the gap between national policies and implementation at the community level; it focuses on convergence and collaboration in the delivery of social services.
The goal of Kudhinnaa Gaathun is to bring services closer to communities in order to create islands that are child-friendly, climate resilient and able to provide access to essential services such as: health, nutrition, protection from violence abuse and exploitation, and quality education.
Kudhinnaa Gaathun are being piloted on 10 islands:
- Kulhuduffushi City
- Shaviyani Funadhoo
- Raa Meedhoo
- Baa Eydhafushi
- Kaafu Dhiffushi
- Vaavu Felidhoo
- Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo
- Laamu Gan
- Fuvamulah City
- Addu City
The islands were selected based on geographical representation, community diversity and the feasibility of delivering services.
As part of the project, UNICEF works closely with governments, partners, donors and local leadership to address disparities. With this work, UNICEF’s aim is to make sure that every child and young person can benefit from services and opportunities guaranteed in national policies and programmes.
With the lessons learned from the first 10 islands, UNICEF are working with partners to expand the approach throughout the 182 inhabited islands of Maldives.