Minister Highlights Importance of Family Bonds in Children’s Day Message
Minister Dr Aishath Shiham attends a family evening organised by the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation, and HDC on 16 November 2024. | Photo credit: Ministry of Social and Family Development
On the occasion of Children’s Day, Minister of Social and Family Development Dr Aishath Shiham delivered a message emphasising the critical role of strong family relationships and meaningful time spent with children in shaping their futures.
This year’s Children’s Day theme, ‘Happy relationships, Happy times, Happy children’, underscores two key elements of child development: the quality of parent-child relationships and the joyful experiences they share. Dr Shiham highlighted that the time, love, care, and attention given by parents are central to the formation of a child’s character. She added that when children grow up in nurturing environments filled with love and support, they are more likely to develop self-confidence, emotional maturity, and a positive outlook on life.
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ޤައުމީ ކުޑަކުދިންގެ ދުވަހާއި ގުޅިގެން އިޖުތިމާޢީ އަދި ޢާއިލީ ތަރައްޤީއާ ބެހޭ ވަޒީރު ޑރ ޢާއިޝަތު ޝިހާމް ދެއްވާ މެސެޖް.#UfaaveriKudhin#HappyChildrensDay pic.twitter.com/2O5bmn5N3Q— Ministry of Social and Family Development (@MSFDmv) May 10, 2025
The minister noted that while such environments are ideal, some children require state guardianship due to various circumstances. She acknowledged research indicating that institutional care is not optimal for a child’s development and affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring every child grows up within a stable family environment.
Dr Shiham referred to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘Family for Every Child’ initiative, launched within the first 14 weeks of his administration. The programme seeks to reunite children in state custody with their birth families, strengthen the foster care system, and create structures to support short-term family-based care. According to the minister, 72 children have already been placed with families under the initiative.
She expressed gratitude to those working across different sectors to promote the well-being and rights of children, calling for continued collaboration to ensure their safety and happiness. In closing, Dr Shiham extended warm Children’s Day wishes to children, families, and caregivers across the country, praying for their protection and wellbeing.
