The government is committed to ensuring that every child is raised in the security and care of a family environment, a priority reaffirmed by Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham. Addressing the nation on National Children's Day, observed annually on 10 May, the minister framed this initiative as central to the administration's child welfare strategy, aligning with the vision outlined by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The theme of this year's National Children's Day—"Happy relationships, happy moments, happy children"—reflects the government's emphasis on the impact of parental engagement, Minister Aishath Shiham elaborated. She stressed that the time spent with children and the strength of familial bonds play a decisive role in shaping their emotional and psychological well-being. Affection, guidance, and consistent care, she noted, form the bedrock of personality development, while a nurturing family environment fosters confidence and social adaptability.
For children to thrive, she stated that relationships must provide stability. Those who experience meaningful connections and moments of joy, the minister said, tend to develop resilience, excelling educationally and socially. The skills gained from such an upbringing, she said, prepare them for a productive, well-adjusted life and reinforce their ability to contribute positively to society. A family, she underscored, offers the most effective foundation for moral guidance, emotional security, and the acquisition of social values.
Despite the government's commitment to family-based care, some children remain in state custody due to challenging circumstances. Minister Aishath Shiham pointed to research demonstrating that institutional care is rarely the best solution for long-term child welfare. To address this, President Muizzu's administration introduced 'Ufaavehi', a programme designed to transition children from state custody into family homes. Launched within the first 14 weeks of his tenure, the initiative works to reconnect children with families while simultaneously strengthening the fostering system to facilitate temporary placements. Since its implementation, the initiative has successfully placed 72 children with families, the minister noted, a milestone she sees as progress toward ensuring all children grow up in a stable household.
Public response to the initiative has been overwhelmingly supportive. Minister Aishath Shiham praised the collective effort to provide safe and loving environments for children, describing it as an example of community engagement in child welfare. She expressed appreciation for those working to safeguard children's rights and urged continued collaboration to expand protections for future generations.