A two-day training program on council development planning was held in V. Felidhoo from November 5 to 6. Organized by the Local Government Authority (LGA), UNICEF Maldives, and V. Atoll Council. The program aimed to build the capacity of local councils in the methodology to develop five-year local development and financial plans as required under the Decentralization Act (7/2010). The program also aimed to equip participants with the tools to incorporate child rights into local development plans, facilitating councils to create and implement child protection policies and programs involving community stakeholders for developing community-based child protection mechanisms. 

The training sessions focused on key aspects of development planning, including identifying development priorities, addressing local issues, understanding community needs, and formulating effective strategies. These sessions were facilitated by officials from the Local Government Authority and UNICEF Maldives.

Highlighting the importance of harmonized local planning, President of V. Atoll Council conducted a session on incorporating V. Atoll’s vision into development plans. Additionally, UNICEF Maldives Social Policy Specialist Ibrahim Naseem led a session on the ‘Kudhinnaa Gaathun: Aharumen Beynunvaa Rah’ initiative, emphasizing the role of effective development plans. The ‘Kudhinnaa Gaathun: Aharumen Beynunvaa Rah’ initiative, focuses on fostering close collaboration with local authorities to enhance the coordination and integration of UNICEF programs at the island level, ensuring synergies in delivering social services for children.

A total of 37 participants, including councilors and staff from V. Atoll Council, V. Felidhoo Council, and V. Keyodhoo Council, attended the program, which provided them with the tools and knowledge to create impactful and sustainable development strategies for their communities.