Fishermen

Maldives Fishermen’s Association has established a Fishermen’s Community & Training Centre (FCTC) in Laamu Gan.

The FCTC was inaugurated at a ceremony held in Thundi, Laamu Gan, today, by Minister of Education Dr Aishath Shiham.

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr Mohamed Shainee, senior officials of Ministry of Education and Ministry of Fisheries, Chairman of International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) John Burton, senior officials of IPNLF, Head of Engagement Development Fund of Migros Stefan Schöbi, Laamu Atoll Council President, senior officials of the Island Council, senior officials of government institutions in Laamu Atoll, students, and fishermen.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Shiham said that one of the main targets of the new government is to provide vocational training to youth, and that the establishment of the FCTC would facilitate the achievement of this goal. She assured that the government will assist the centre in every way possible.

Dr Shainee said that fishermen should achieve progress through hard work and personal efforts to develop their skills, and urged fishermen to be self-sufficient and independent in their work. He said that the most important element in achieving this is the availability of vocational training and modern technology to fishermen, and assured that the government recognises the efforts of the Fishermen’s Association in this regard.

IPNLF, an international charity working for sustainability of coastal fishing communities and their fisheries, contributed greatly to the establishment of this FCTC in Laamu Gan.

Speeches were also given at today’s ceremony by John Burton and Stefan Schöbi.

The FCTC will provide a series of free training courses to school leavers and active pole and line fishermen.

The centre has already commenced courses in marine electric wiring, engine repair and maintenance, and the use of GPS and Fish Finder. It will also introduce courses in Oceanography, Fisheries Biology, Post-Harvest Technology, and Diving.