The Project for Provision of Assistive Vehicles to Maldives Association of Persons with Disabilities in Malé Island, Kaafu Atoll

　　　　　Malé, March 16, 2021 - The Grant Contract for “The Project for Provision of Assistive Vehicles to Maldives Association of Persons with Disabilities in Malé Island, Kaafu Atoll” under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme was signed by Her Excellency Keiko Yanai, Ambassador of Japan to Maldives and Mr. Ahmed Mohamed, Chairperson of Maldives Association of Persons with Disabilities (MAPD) at a ceremony held at the SHE Building today. The Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment His Excellency Ahmed Mahloof attended the ceremony as a special guest.
 
　　　　　Under the terms of the grant contract, the Government of Japan committed a grant of Twenty Three Million Sixty Three Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Japanese Yen (JPY 23,063,370), (approximately USD 209,667 which is equivalent to MVR　3,233,065) for the provision of 3 assistive vehicles for establishing an inclusive and accessible transport system for people with disabilities. The vehicles have an electric wheelchair lift in rear side for the safe and smooth entraining and carry up to 2 wheelchairs and 6 ambulatory passengers at a time.
 
　　　　　It is essential to establish a disability-inclusive transport service in order to provide an opportunity for all people to participate in the society. The vehicles committed under this grant will assist both children and adults with disabilities to go to school, work and access healthcare facilities safely and with affordable price.
 
　　　　　The project will be implemented by MAPD with the support of the Ministry of Youth Sports and Community Empowerment and Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services. MAPD was established in 2013 to protect the rights of people with disabilities and empower them to become productive citizens through education, training, and employment.
 
　　　　　The GGP is part of the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) implemented by the Embassy of Japan in Maldives in order to empower people at the grassroots level. Since 1996, the GGP has been implemented in broad areas such as education, environment, health, transportation and energy in order to contribute to sustainable development of the Maldives.