Velaa Private Island expands Fehikuramaa community programme across Noonu Atoll

Velaa Private Island has launched the 2025 edition of its flagship community initiative, Fehikuramaa, which focuses on nutrition and healthy living. The programme began with an inauguration ceremony on Landhoo Island on 1 September and will run throughout the month, delivering school-based sessions aimed at equipping children and families with practical knowledge on healthy eating and active lifestyles.

For the first time, Fehikuramaa will be delivered across all 13 inhabited islands of Noonu Atoll in collaboration with UNFPA Maldives. The sessions are led by specialists who supplement classroom content with practical learning. Each participating student will also receive two giveaways: a portion-divided nutrition plate to encourage balanced meals at home, and a gym bag to promote daily physical activity.

Mohamed Mausoom, Resident Manager of Velaa Private Island, explained, “Fehikuramaa was created to meet community needs island by island, and this year we highlighted the everyday habits that shape lifelong wellbeing. Our aim is to empower students with simple tools and knowledge they could use immediately, at school, at home and in their communities.”

Shadiya Ibrahim, Head of Office at UNFPA Maldives, highlighted the connection between wellbeing and the environment, “Everyday choices in food practices and interaction with the natural surroundings determine future health outcomes.” She added that UNFPA continues to work with partners from the private sector and technical fields to support a more inclusive and equitable society, particularly for women and young people in island communities.

Now in its fifth year, Fehikuramaa was first introduced in 2021 under Velaa’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to encourage sustainable improvements across Noonu Atoll. The initiative has been developed in collaboration with local councils, schools, and community organisations, reflecting the strong ties between the resort and surrounding communities.

The 2025 campaign follows Velaa Private Island’s charitable donations of MVR 500,000 in May to two national non-profits: the Cancer Society of Maldives and the Maldives Autism Association. These contributions further demonstrate the resort’s commitment to health, development, and community wellbeing at both local and national levels.