President Muizzu announces national program to boost inclusion for persons with disabilities

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that a national program will be launched next year to enhance the inclusion of persons requiring special assistance in society. The announcement was made during this week's episode of the "Voice of the People" program, broadcast every Thursday by state media PSM. A participant who requires special assistance highlighted difficulties regarding the space for centers for persons requiring special assistance, noting that such centers are few in the atolls. He also raised concerns about challenges and barriers faced by persons requiring special assistance who are pursuing higher education in obtaining employment. He said they do not get jobs in certain sectors, sharing, "I have gone to various places for interviews and internships, including to places like MACEL, but after the interviews, no kind of response is given, and internship opportunities are also not provided." President Muizzu stated that priority is given to providing equal job opportunities to all parties and assured that solutions would be brought to these issues in the coming days. He said, "Currently, I have already informed all MPs and ministers to create the best possible opportunities and conducive environments for persons with disabilities, ensuring arrangements for them to perform their duties." The President further stated that the government has decided to launch a major national project next year from all sectors to facilitate opportunities for persons with disabilities. The objective of the project is to facilitate access to all services for persons requiring special assistance easily. According to statistics from the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), financial aid amounting to 59 million rufiyaa was provided last September to persons requiring special assistance. The register of persons with disabilities currently lists 15,885 people, including 263 newly registered last month.