New Digital Skills Facility Opens at Maldives Autism Centre with Pakistan’s Support 

The Jinnah Digital Skill Centre, established with support from Pakistan to provide digital skills and vocational training for children with autism, has been opened at the Maldives Autism Centre (MAA) in Hulhumalé.

The centre was inaugurated on Sunday by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, Vice Admiral (R) Faisal Rasul Lodhi, and his wife, Begum Humera Lodhi, as part of commemorations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. 

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The centre has been named after Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a tribute to his legacy and people-centred vision, said the High Commission of Pakistan in the Maldives. 

The delegation was welcomed by former First Lady and MAA Founder and Chairperson Ilham Hussain, MAA CEO Dr Ismail Shafeeu, members of the centre’s management, teachers and students.

Ilham expressed appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for supporting the establishment of what was described as the first digital skills centre at MAA, saying it would assist in providing vocational training and skills development for children with autism. 

The High Commissioner commended MAA’s efforts to improve learning opportunities for children on the autism spectrum and said the centre symbolised the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the Maldives. 

Lodhi also highlighted the shared responsibility to provide children with the care, support and environment needed to develop and participate meaningfully in society, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working with the Maldives on shared objectives.

The delegation toured the new facility and held an interactive session with faculty members and students of the Autism Centre.