In 2015, Ooredoo Maldives pledged its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, aimed at improving the lives of people and creating an all-round healthier world for tomorrow. With a strong belief in the transformative power of digital, Ooredoo Maldives continues its work to stimulate human growth and contribute to the sustainable development of local communities across the nation. As such, a number of community engagement activities have been carried out by the company over the last few years.
Youth and women’s empowerment have been key focus areas for Ooredoo Maldives. In 2015, Ooredoo launched the GSMA’s Connected Women programme in the Maldives, working to achieve greater inclusion of women at all points of the mobile eco-system from consumers to employees to leaders. To support youth development, Ooredoo Maldives has been the proud sponsor of countless community engagement activities across the nation. In addition, Ooredoo Maldives and UNDP in the Maldives in partnership with Youth Co Lab and the Youth Ministry, have also been conducting a social innovation camp for youth, ‘Miyaheli’ since 2016.
Internet safety and digital literacy are also vital in bridging the digital divide. One such notable initiative is the launch of Ooredoo’s internet safety program to educate the youth and the elderly on the importance of internet safety, cyber safety tools, as well as cyber hygiene. The campaign, conducted in partnership with Maldives Police Service and Youth Ministry, included the introduction of security tools, awareness webinars, digital literacy programs and internet safety awareness videos.
Other notable initiatives recently include the donation of tablets to the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services for children under state care, as well as the launch of a new ‘Israhvehinge Pack’ for the digital enablement of the elderly community.
What’s more, in times of crisis, Ooredoo Maldives’ connection to the people of the Maldives is its biggest pride. During the 2014 water crisis, Ooredoo Maldives was one of the primary responders, using both existing partnerships, technological expertise and business continuity protocols to contribute to response efforts. In more recent years, during the COVID-19 situation, the company spent a total of USD200,000 as in-kind support for its customers and stakeholders as part of pandemic response during the year 2020, inclusive of free data allowances and connections. Ooredoo Maldives was also the first telecom company in the country to implement ‘Work from Home’ for its employees, and partnered with various institutions in the Maldives to offer mental health and psychosocial support to employees in need.
Apart from revised payment plans and bill extensions for customers during COVID-19, Ooredoo helped the community in other various ways, such as by contributing to educational and medical community initiatives. For example, Ooredoo Maldives partnered with the Ministry of Education to provide easy access to educational tools for online classes, and provided free post-paid connections to the National Disaster Management Centre for contact tracing and surveying purposes, and data to patients and staff at the quarantine facilities to allow them to keep connected with their friends and family. Additionally, Ooredoo Maldives donated 2.5 million MVR together with Ooredoo Group to the government of the Maldives to acquire ventilators, personal protective equipment, and testing supplies to combat the spread of coronavirus across the nation.
Furthermore, Ooredoo has aided in supporting the health sector of the Maldives. In 2018, it donated three sea ambulances to the Ministry of Health. Recently, it initiated the donation of essential Health Kits to all the Health Centres across the nation, which includes essential equipment, Stethoscope, Digital Sphygmomanometer, Pulse Oximeter, Otoscope, Digital Thermometer and a Nebulizer Machine.
During the month of Ramadan this year, Ooredoo focused on contributing to the local community. As such, the company partnered up with Kandoodhoo Council to build a brand for ‘Kandoodhoo Mirus’. A special branded hot sauce using the chili was also created in partnership with Enzi. Additionally, Ooredoo distributed iftar packs and hosted iftars for expatriates in appreciation of their hard work.
While the list of its community engagement initiatives goes on and on, Ooredoo Maldives remains undoubtedly steadfast in its strong belief in the transformative power of digital. The telecom giant continues to play a pivotal role in developing the community, utilizing strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth across the nation.
