Atmosphere Foundation marks 3 years of impactful initiatives across Maldives

Atmosphere Foundation hosted an event at Meermuaa Event and Conference Centre, on January 16, bringing together donors, project partners, and stakeholders to celebrate its remarkable journey and commitment to fostering sustainability and inclusivity in the Maldives. Over the past three years, the Foundation has spearheaded a series of transformative initiatives aimed at addressing social, environmental, and educational challenges which were highlighted during the evening.

Highlighting on the initiatives, the Bamboo for Climate Change Mitigation project, a large-scale environmental initiative addresses climate change and promote carbon sequestration. With over 4,000 bamboo plants nurtured and distributed across 30 locations, the project supports the Maldives’ commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030. A standout achievement is the HDh. Vaikaradhoo Bamboo Park, which now hosts 83 bamboo plants representing 13 varieties, making it the most diverse bamboo collection in the Maldives. Other environmental initiatives include the Foundation’s World Environment Day 2024 celebrations, which featured competitions, awareness sessions, and crafting workshops, promoting environmental consciousness and showcasing local talents in bamboo crafting.

Education has been a cornerstone of Atmosphere Foundation’s efforts, with the Kakkaa Vathi Training Kitchen at Imaduddin School Jewel Centre providing 44 students with diverse learning abilities access to certified culinary training in a professional environment. Building on this success, the Kakkaa Vathi Student Sponsorship programme has enabled two graduates to further their studies at the Maldives National University, opening doors to advanced education and career opportunities.

The Read Right with The Reading Room programme, which has reached 5,329 students across 13 atolls, was commended for its success in fostering literacy in Dhivehi and English. The programme has also trained 1,500 teachers and 1,330 parents, creating a comprehensive support system for young readers.

Vocational training initiatives have been a key focus, with the Vocational Skills Training programme in Fuvahmulah equipping 25 participants with skills in carpentry, bakery, housekeeping, and computer programming. Eleven of these participants successfully passed competency assessments, enhancing their career prospects. Similarly, the Campus Day for TVEC Students initiative offered career guidance, resulting in internship opportunities at Atmosphere Core resorts.

The Foundation’s commitment to empowering women was reflected in the Soft Toy Making Training programs conducted in HDh. Vaikaradhoo and Sh. Goidhoo, which taught 29 women to craft soft toys and use recycled materials for creative projects, fostering economic opportunities. In Goidhoo, the Foundation is supporting a young innovator was gifted a laptop and continues to receive online training and mentoring to further his passion for crafting electronic models from recyclable materials.

Health and community care have also been central to the Foundation’s work. The Community Outreach and Caregiver Workshops with Aged Care Maldives have provided health screenings, specialist consultations, and caregiver workshops to over 874 senior citizens. The Community Screening for Dementia initiative trained 75 screeners and reached 747 individuals, while the Eye Camp in Haa Dhaalu Atoll offered life-changing cataract surgeries to senior citizens. Additionally, the Speech and Hearing Camp in Faafu Atoll provided specialised consultations to 91 children with speech and hearing impairments and trained 45 teachers to support effective classroom interventions.

In Fuvahmulah, the Foundation’s refurbishment of the Amaan Veshi Children’s Centre transformed the study room into a modern learning space, while its support for the biennial Vaavoshi Festival in N. Kendhikulhudhoo promoted marine ecosystem awareness, with a focus on the environmental role of sea turtles.

Through these diverse initiatives, Atmosphere Foundation has consistently demonstrated its commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive communities across the Maldives. The evening closed with a shared sense of purpose and optimism as attendees reflected on the Foundation’s achievements and its vision for the future. By empowering communities protecting the environment, and fostering meaningful collaborations with four projects planned for the first quarter of 2025, Atmosphere Foundation continues to lay the groundwork for a brighter and more resilient tomorrow.

“The Atmosphere Foundation envisions a world where communities are not just recipients of aid, but active participants in their own transformation,” said Abdul Azeez Abdul Hakeem, Vice President of Atmosphere Foundation.