Gov’t to Establish First Empowerment Hub for Persons with Disabilities

The Ministry of Social and Family Development has announced plans to establish an Empowerment Hub designed to support persons with disabilities in developing skills, receiving training, and accessing employment opportunities.

In a statement released today, the ministry revealed that the hub, the first of its kind in the Maldives, will be built in Hulhumalé Phase 2 in partnership with Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation. The initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and empowering society for people with disabilities, targeting individuals aged 18 to 40.

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The Empowerment Hub will focus on identifying the needs of persons with disabilities who have completed school, equipping them with skills, facilitating employment opportunities, and promoting economic independence. It will also provide avenues for meaningful participation in society.
Spanning an area of 5,500 square feet, the hub will feature an inclusive café designed to offer hospitality and culinary training, alongside work experience. Additionally, it will include a shop to market and sell products created by persons with disabilities.

The facility will house three workshop spaces for training purposes, a dedicated area for computer and information technology training, and social spaces such as an activity room and a multimedia room.

Set to open later this year, the hub will prioritise accessibility for persons with disabilities. Its success will rely on the active involvement of civil society organisations, service providers, and persons with disabilities themselves. The ministry plans to organise discussions and information sessions to share further details about the project and encourage collaboration.