Government Trains 226 Social Workers to Launch Atoll Support Networks

The Ministry of Social and Family Development has completed a major training initiative, preparing 226 social workers across 43 islands to establish coordinated community support groups. These networks, known as 'Ibama,' are designed to provide fundamental social security throughout the Atolls. Operating over the last two years across eight Atolls, the program forms the backbone of a new system that links communities directly with relevant government institutions. Following the intensive personnel training, the government has officially begun rolling out the Ibama groups nationwide. The Ministry is now focused on immediate intervention and care provision. Teams are actively identifying individuals and families living in vulnerable situations to ensure they receive necessary assistance promptly. Simultaneously, the ministry is working to secure the resources required to maintain and expand this growing network of community support. Expansion plans are already underway, with the initiative set to reach two additional Atolls in the near future. This represents one of the most significant efforts to strengthen social safety nets in the island communities, creating a structured approach to addressing vulnerability outside the capital region.