Education Ministry has allocated space from Filaa Building for the Scout Association of Maldives for its headquarters and shop.
The Association’s former headquarters and Scout Shop, previously based at the old Arabiyya School building on Chaandhanee Magu, shut down on September 10th following unsuccessful efforts to find an alternative location after it was instructed to vacate the old premises.
The old Arabiyya School building also features the National Cadet Corps headquarters and serves as a godown for various items belonging to the Education Ministry.
Notably, the old Arabiyya School building is severely rundown with damage to its pillars as well. Arabiyya School relocated from the building in 2022 after it was deemed too unsafe.
When questioned by Sun regarding the matter on September 13th, Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu said the Association will be allocated office space within a week.
Sun sought an update from Education Ministry on Sunday, and was told the Association was allocated office space last week.
Scout Association told Sun that Education Ministry allocated space for the Association from Filaa Building, adding it will begin the shifting to the new office following the completion of a camp scheduled for tomorrow.
The Association emphasized that its online services remain uninterrupted despite the change in office.
Back on the National Scout Day in May, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had acknowledged the need for greater government support towards Scout activities.
He highlighted on the poor state of the building that housed Scout HQ, and pledged to facilitate financial and infrastructure support to the Scout Association.
“They are faced with many challenges. They have no home, and have to move around in an old rundown building. This is not how it should be,” he said.