Hithevare - the Social Responsibility Workshop

Hithevare’ is a one day workshop designed to increase the social responsibility of the youth to engage in community activities. Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be have higher leadership and team working qualities and would have in depth information on volunteerism. The program is expected to increase the number of youth enthusiastic about community activities. This program was held on 20th August 2009 in Thinadhoo. The program was huge success from the comments of participants. After this first workshop, this program would be altered according the wishes of the participants to increase the duration and would be run at a national scale. 

CHOCO set to Launch "Hithevare" Workshop

Choco is scheduled to launch Hithevare – a 1 day workshop on understating the social responsibility of youth in community development – on 20^th August 2009 in G.Dh. Thinadhoo. The participants will come from government offices in Thinadhoo and general public aged between 16 and 24. There is an overwhelming support for the program from the public.

Hithevare’ Thinadhoo program is expected to be a pilot program of the series of such programs throughout the Maldives. Choco acknowledges the importance of building volunteers and motivation to participate in community activities and hence Hithevare’ program was devised. This program is already endorsed by the Maldives Volunteers Corp. The future plan is to make a program package to train and motivate volunteers, so that other NGOs can also use it to run in various parts of the country.

The workshop will cover aspects ranging from history of social spirit in the locality, leadership and team building skills, volunteerism and a brief ideas about project planning.

Youth Day Futsal Tournament

CHOCO organised a one day Futsal tournament targeted for the youth of Thinadhoo to mark the Youth Day 2009. The event ran from the morning of 12th August till the evening. Several Futsal teams from various locations of the island participated. The feedback from participants was extremely positive and youth who participated expressed their satisfaction for the program.

CHOCO July Update

Choco had several activities in the bag during the month of July. It has been working on the new projects with regard to project development. Planning stage of several projects were underway. Furthermore, several activities were run for during the Independence day Holidays. Among them, a cleaning day and a youth basketball match and a football match between former and current players of Thinadhoo were carried out. Choco would like to thank every one who provided help and support for the projects.

CHOCO Completes Successful Independent Day Activities

Choco ran several activities from July 23^rd to July 27^th to mark the Independence Day of the Maldives. These activities include a cleaning day, a basketball match and a football match. Ibrahim Shiyam and Mohamed Jinah Ali of CHOCO coordinated these events.

Cleaning Day was marked from 24^th July to 27^th July. Choco cleared off the garbage from households and public areas throughout the period. More than 120 truckloads of garbage were disposed. Cleaning day was collaborated with the Island Office of Thinadhoo, however it was largely members of Choco who planned and implemented the program.

CHOCO would like to thank all the people who provided their help and moral support for the program. The driver of the truck did an exceptional job along the 4 days of continuous work. The public support for the program was well received.

The basket ball game was intended for youth to have a fun time during the Independence Day holidays. CHOCO arranged for the jerseys and planned the event. Several youth turned up for the event. Certificates were issued to the youth who participated, at the end of the game.

The football game was played between former players of Thinadhoo against a team from youth. This game was won 7-nil by the youth team. The match was intended to appreciate the pride that former players of Thinadhoo brought to the island and give an opportunity to have a game with island football legends. Certificates were issued to the participants, after the match.

The Independence Day programs were well appreciated by the public and CHOCO hopes to arrange more events like this in future, to increase unity.

CHOCO Launches "Thinadhoo - The Garden Island"

Choco's first environmental project is named "Thinadhoo - The Garden Island". The name is derived from the vision that to make Thinadhoo a garden island pleasant to the visitors and residents alike. An island so green, an island so clean, an island so pleasant . The vision is the destination of the project in the end. The project will have lots of phases, sub-projects and and campaigns. So far we have thought of 1- planting trees in public areas to make the island more green and shady 2- public garbage disposal project 3- A model public park in a certain area of the island 4- awareness campaign to encourage residents to plant trees to make the streets more shady 5- Programs to increase gardening skills of the residents 6- Programs to enhance carbon neutrality in resident homes. Projects may not necessarily run in this order, and not all of these ideas may not be carried out. We'll be making a start to this project soon. This is a note posted on the CHOCO Facebook group by the Chairperson of CHOCO, Mr Sharuvash Adam.