Bank of Maldives (BML) has announced the 10 winning proposals for the first quarter of its Community Fund for 2023. 

The country’s national bank made the announcement via a press release on Monday.

As such, the winning projects include one to establish a skate park in Dhuvaafaru island of Raa atoll, submitted by ‘Dhuvaafaru Zuvaanunge Jamiyya’ or the Dhuvaafaru youth association, as well as one to establish a shaded waiting area for parents and children in Fuvahmulah City, submitted by the ‘Dhadimagu Zuvaanunge Jamiyya’

Another winning proposal was by Hoadedhoo Sports, to develop the Olhamathaa Eco Park Phase 2 in Hoadedhoo island of Gaaf Dhaal atoll.

The proposal to establish a picnic and camping area in Dharavandhoo island of Baa atoll, submitted by ‘Dharavandhoo Ekuveri Zuvaanun’, one to develop the Thinadhoo Kulhi submitted by Huvadhoo Swimming Club, one to establish a reading park in Mulak School in Meemu atoll, submitted by the Community Empowerment Linkage (CEL), one to build a waiting area in the harbor of Kunahandhoo island in Laamu atoll submitted by Kunahandhoo Island Nomination Group (KING) also won this quarter.

The remaining three winning proposals are one submitted by Fato Sports Academy to provide sports equipment to Nellaidhoo School in Haa Dhaal atoll, one by Maldives Manta Conservation Program to conduct an ocean education programme in Hithadhoo island of Seenu atoll as well as one by Addu Eco Club seeking to establish a waiting area and public restrooms in the harbor of Seenu atoll Feydhoo.

BML opened applications for proposals under the first phase of the ‘Aharenge Bank’ Community Fund, for the ongoing year in mid-March.

Similar to previous phases of the fund, 10 projects are selected among the proposals received under the first phase including in the areas of education, environment, sports and community development.

The winning proposals are entitled to receive MVR 50,000 to execute their plan.

The ‘Aharenge Bank’ Community Fund is a programme aimed at empowering individuals and NGOs to contribute to local communities through sustainable development projects. The offer 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 90 projects across the country under the Community Fund initiative.

A total of 20 projects are to be funded during 2023, as in previous years.