Canada grants MVR one million to support homeless, vulnerable in Maldives
18 މެއި 2020 | ހޯމަ 12:25This donation will fund the project, titled “Shelter and provision of basic needs for the homeless and vulnerable communities impacted by Covid-19 in Malé”
An agreement was signed during a virtual ceremony on Monday between Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon
The government of Canada has extended 100,000 Canadian Dollars which amounts to approximately MVR one million, in support of the Maldivian government’s efforts to extend basic amenities to the homeless and vulnerable communities suffering due to the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The funds were withdrawn from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives and the signing ceremony took place virtually, on Monday afternoon.
The Contribution Agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid on behalf of the Maldivian government and the High Commissioner of Canada to the Maldives, David McKinnon on behalf of the Canadian government.
Noting that Canada’s timely assistance comes at a time the North American country itself is battling the pandemic, FM Shahid expressed sincere gratitude to the Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne and the International Development Minister of Canada, Karina Gould for extending “extraordinary generosity”.
The Maldivian foreign minister added that this gesture of goodwill is “yet another example of solidarity that Canada is always known for; caring for others” particularly the most vulnerable, said Shahid.
Also speaking during the virtual ceremony, High Commissioner McKinnon applauded the Maldivian government’s efforts to support the vulnerable communities, particularly in the face of the ongoing pandemic.
McKinnon highlighted that Canada is “very pleased” to be able to support the timely delivery of essential supplies and services to those in need, in the island nation.
The virtual ceremony was joined by Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services, Aishath Mohamed Didi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel, Chief Executive of the National Disaster Management Authority Hisan Hassan, senior officials from the foreign and finance ministries as well as officials from the High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka and Maldives.
This donation will fund the project, titled “Shelter and provision of basic needs for the homeless and vulnerable communities impacted by Covid-19 in Malé”.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services and will aim to directly assist 400 vulnerable individuals.
Further, the project is also expected to strengthen the capacity of government institutions to provide further assistance to those direly in need.
