The Ministry of Social and Family Development has announced new training courses for people with disabilities.
The Ministry said the courses are aimed at empowering people with disabilities and enhancing their financial independence, as well as creating more employment opportunities.
Speaking on PSM News' Raajje Miadhu programme, Social Protection Officer at the Ministry, Fathimath Sham’aa Shafeeq, highlighted that one of the major challenges faced by people with disabilities in terms of employment is the lack of formal qualifications. To address this, the Ministry has launched a Job Readiness Programme in partnership with the Care Society to assist them in acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications required for the workplace, she said.
The programme teaches various administrative and office-related skills. Those who are not ready to take up employment immediately will be offered internship opportunities, she said.
In addition, the government has already announced courses in collaboration with Maldives Polytechnic in five fields. These will mainly include Certificate Level 3 courses lasting four to six months. Sham’aa said shorter courses of one to two months can also be arranged.
The government is working to complete the National Disability Registry to collect information on the needs of the community and provide targeted assistance. It is also working on a database to track changes in the lives of people with disabilities and ensure that appropriate support is delivered in the light of the information collected in the register.
The government has been providing a monthly allowance for people with disabilities since 2011. In 2023, this allowance was increased to US$ 195 per month.