The Ministry of Social and Family Development announced this week a substantial push to solidify social safety nets in the Atolls, confirming that 226 social workers have been trained across 43 islands over the last two years.
This extensive training effort serves as the foundation for establishing coordinated community support groups known as "Ibama.”
The Ibama groups designed to provide fundamental social security in the Atolls by operating a coordinated system linked directly with relevant governmental institutions. The Ministry stated that, following the intensive training of personnel, the government has officially begun the process of establishing these Ibama groups across the country..
So far, the 226 trained social workers span 43 islands across eight Atolls. The Ministry confirmed that it is actively working to expand this initiative, with plans currently underway to establish Ibama groups in two additional Atolls in the near future.
The focus of the programme, according to the Ministry, is immediate intervention and care provision. The Ministry is currently engaging in critical work to identify individuals and families living in vulnerable situations, ensuring they receive necessary care and assistance promptly. Simultaneously, the Ministry is working diligently to identify and secure the resources required to maintain and sustain this growing network of community assistance.