President Nasheed has hailed the Care Society for their assistance to people with special needs and for making them productive citizens. The President made this statement while speaking at the function held to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Care Society. The function was held this evening at Dharubaaruge’.
Speaking at the function, the President remarked that history had shown that policies that were not based on kindness and compassion would impede a country’s development. Speaking further in this regard, the President said if we did not take into account the needs and feelings of disabled people, our community would not achieve the destination it aimed.
Relating his experience of seeing elderly people living in desolation in several islands, he stressed the government would found its policies on good governance practices.
Noting that the elderly had rendered invaluable services to the country, the President highlighted on the government’s old-age pension scheme, under which a monthly allowance of Rf 2000 is given to the people above 65 years. The old-age pension scheme came into effect from 1 January 2009.
He also announced that the government would provide, in the coming week, office premises for Care Society.
At the function, the President was presented with a video CD on the work of Care Society, by the founder member of the Care Society Ms Fathimath Afiya.
The function was attended by First Lady Laila Ali, Minister of Health and Family Dr Aminath Jameel, senior government officials and members of Care Society.
