ARC has held a special function, “Celebrating a Decade of Difference” to mark its 10th Anniversary. President Ibrahim Mohamed and First Lady Fazna Ahmed attended the celebrations as guests of honor.
The event held at Kurumba Maldives this evening highlighted various initiatives and programmes by ARC over the past decade to protect and promote the rights of children in the Maldives. Speaking at the event, ARC’s Founder Ms. Zenysha Shaheed Zaki highlighted ARC’s efforts to improve the lives of children in the country, while reiterating the urgency for combined efforts to tackle new and emerging issues. She also expressed sincere gratitude to ARC’s Corporate Ambassadors, Partners and Donors for placing their trust in ARC and for their generosity to help change children’s lives for the better.
During the function, First Lady Fazna Ahmed launched child-friendly videos of the Convention of the Rights of the Child, developed by ARC in partnership with UNICEF Maldives. UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, Dr. Munir Safieldin highlighted the collaboration between UNICEF and ARC and stated that ARC is a successful advocate for children’s rights that does not hesitate to knock on the doors of policy makers. He also commended ARC’s evidence-based messaging and expressed hope to see ARC’s efforts expand regionally and internationally.
ARC also awarded certificates of recognition to partners for their support and assistance and tokens of appreciation were awarded to the following Corporate Ambassadors of 2019:
In the category of Champion of Child Rights in the Maldives:
- Kurumba Maldives.
- Event Maldives.
- Kaimoo Travels and Services Pvt Ltd.
- Hon. Moomina Haleem.
In the category of Patron of Child Rights in the Maldives:
- Best Buy Maldives.
- Bank of Maldives.
In the category of Advocate of Child Rights in the Maldives:
- Club Med Maldives.
- Timber House.
In the category of Supporter of Child Rights in the Maldives:
- M7 Print Pvt Ltd.
- Happy Market.
- Print Lab Creative.
- Cheval Blanc.
- Dhiraagu.
- Think Advertising.
- Praxis law firm.
- Maldivian Aero.
- Official photographer Ali Masrah.
- Official photographer Ahmed Nishan.
In his address, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih expressed appreciation to ARC for its collaboration and noted that ARC has brought serious and emerging social issues to the attention of Government. He further highlighted that non-government organizations play an important role in the current administrative structure of the State and emphasized the need for closer collaboration with civil society in the prevention of violence against children.
ARC has now reached every atoll in the country, and continue to expand advocacy efforts through national & international outreach. In 2019 alone, ARC has reached over 4000 students, 700 parents and 250 teachers across 54 islands in 12 atolls. ARC reiterates its commitment to continue our efforts to ensure that all children’s fundamental rights are respected, promoted and protected.
05 March 2020