The Bank of Maldives has announced five winning proposals for the first quarter of 2022, under the bank’s ‘Aharenge Bank Community Fund’ initiative.

The country’s national bank opened applications for proposals under the first phase of the community fund for the year during February.

The community fund campaign aims to empower individuals to contribute to the society by conducting sustainable community projects across the Maldives.

The proposal to install solar streetlights in Maaungoodhoo was submitted by Society for Maaungoodhoo Youth Linkage, with Landhoo native Ahmed Rasheed submitting the proposal to develop a barbeque area in the island.

Further, the proposal for Kinbidhoo island was submitted by island resident Aishath Sama.

Ismail Shareef, a resident of Bilehfahi island submitted the proposal for the island and the proposal to develop a barbeque area in Kaashidhoo was submitted by island resident Mohamed Vishah.

BML selects five projects among the received proposals under ease phase. Projects selected in the areas of education, environment, sports and community development with be awarded MVR 50,000, similar to previous phases of the fund.

A total of 20 projects will be funded during 2022, similar to previous years.

The ‘Aharenge Bank’ Community Fund is a programme aimed at empowering individuals and NGOs to contribute to local communities through sustainable projects. The project is open for individuals, local NGOs, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), women’s development groups, tech community movements and youth empowerment groups. Government and business entities are not eligible for the program.

Since the initiative was launched, BML has funded projects in 65 islands across the country under the Community Fund initiative.