People willing to take care of foster children should have that opportunity: President

President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has said that the people who are willing to take care of foster children for long term and permanent bases should be allowed that opportunity.

The President made his statement during a visit to Kudakudhinge Hiya in Vilimale’, the State foster home for minors, to inaugurate a computer laboratory and library for the facility.

Although the number of children under State care is comparatively small, the President said that the facility needs to function as a temporary stay for children, and that State should aim to return the children to their families, and to encourage the families to take care of their children. The State should only take care of the children in instances where the parents do not have the necessary means or the capability, he said.

“If the parents are unable to take care of them, we have to find parties that will take care of them with affection,” said the President.

He said that regardless of the flawless functioning of the facility, it will not be able to provide the affection provided by parents that is essential for the children, and that the best way would be to find suitable families who are willing to take care of them.

The President also noted that children hold certain rights particular to their status, such as the right to education, special care and health facilities, and that these are national and religious responsibilities held by parents. He said that parents are also responsible to safeguard the rights of the children, and that everyone should work collectively to ensure that these rights are fulfilled.

He said that he is pleased to see the facility gain a new library and computer laboratory, and that these new facilities will enrich the facility's environment. He also noted that the establishment had carried out a tree-planting program to raise environment awareness, and thanked all those who had helped carry out the program.

The President also inaugurated a new tree cultivating program, a leadership program, art, literacy and writing programs.