A Landmark Event Supporting Maldivian Families
ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ proudly marked a significant milestone in community education and family support by hosting the Maldives' first-ever Parenting Symposium on July 19th, 2025, at the QI Campus. This groundbreaking initiative, developed in collaboration with UNICEF Maldives, represents a pivotal moment in strengthening parenting support systems across the nation.
The symposium was designed with a clear mission: to equip parents and caregivers with the essential knowledge, practical tools, and evidence-based strategies needed to navigate the complexities and challenges of modern parenting in today's rapidly evolving world.
Comprehensive Programming for Real-World Impact
The day-long event featured a carefully curated program that addressed the diverse needs of Maldivian families. At the heart of the symposium was a thought-provoking panel discussion, expertly moderated by Parenting Master Trainer Hawwa Zahira. This session provided an open forum for exploring the multifaceted challenges of parenthood while highlighting sustainable and supportive approaches to raising children in contemporary society.
The symposium's structure was deliberately comprehensive, offering eight specialized breakout sessions that delved into critical areas of child development and parenting practice. These focused sessions covered essential topics including effective parenting techniques, understanding and supporting mood and neurodevelopmental disorders, managing screen time in the digital age, and implementing behavioral strategies that work for both neurotypical children and those with special educational needs. This inclusive approach aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring all children, regardless of their developmental needs, receive appropriate support and understanding.
Recognizing that successful parenting support extends beyond adult learning, the event included a dedicated child-friendly play corner, thoughtfully facilitated by the Psychology Association. This space ensured that families could attend together while children engaged in developmentally appropriate activities in a safe, supervised environment.
Immediate Support and Long-term Pathways
One of the symposium's most valuable components was the provision of free screening and counseling services for both parents and children. These services were designed not as one-time interventions but as gateways to ongoing support, with clear pathways established to connect families with additional resources and professional assistance as needed.
This holistic approach reflects ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ's commitment to creating lasting impact rather than simply delivering information. By connecting immediate learning opportunities with sustained support systems, the symposium established a foundation for continued family strengthening across the Maldives, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) through the development of stronger family units that form the bedrock of peaceful and stable communities.
Building Stronger Communities Through Collaboration
The success of this inaugural event demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in addressing community needs. The collaboration between ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ and UNICEF Maldives brought together international expertise in child welfare and development with local knowledge and cultural understanding, creating a program that was both globally informed and locally relevant.
This partnership model reflects ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ's broader commitment to leveraging collaborative relationships that enhance educational opportunities and community support systems. By working alongside organizations like UNICEF Maldives, the college continues to expand its role as a catalyst for positive social change in the Maldives, directly contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthened family foundations and enhanced parenting capacity.
Looking Forward: A Foundation for Future Growth
The overwhelming positive response to the Parenting Symposium underscores the significant need for such initiatives in the Maldives. The event has established a strong foundation for ongoing parenting support programs and has created valuable networks among participating families, facilitators, and support organizations.
ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ extends its sincere gratitude to UNICEF Maldives, all session facilitators, participating families, and community partners who contributed to making this milestone event possible. Their collective commitment to supporting Maldivian families has created a template for future initiatives and demonstrated the transformative power of community-centered education.
As ÃÜÌÒÊÓƵ continues to evolve its community engagement programs, events like the Parenting Symposium represent the institution's dedication to addressing real-world challenges through accessible, high-quality educational initiatives. This symposium marks not just a successful event, but the beginning of a sustained commitment to strengthening families and supporting child development across the Maldives, contributing meaningfully to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrating how educational institutions can drive positive social change at the community level.
The impact of this historic symposium will be measured not only in the immediate knowledge gained by participating families but in the stronger, more resilient communities that emerge when parents are equipped with the tools and support they need to raise healthy, thriving children.
