Boch Institute rebranded to Maldives Development Research Institute

Boch Institute, a research and development institute co-funded by South Mafannu MP Abdulla Rifau has been rebranded to Maldives Development Research Institute (MDRI).

During ceremony held Saturday night at Dharubaaruge, Rifau handed over the institute to Dr. Mariyam Waseema – who has been appointed Executive Director and Chairperson of the institute.

In addition to Waseema, the Executive Board of MDRI consists of six other members.

They are:

• Fazly Abdul Wahhab – Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer

• Aminath Lishan Ali – Chief Operating Officer

• Zeenath Rifau – Chief Financial Officer

• Mohamed Zahir – Director, International Relations

• Samaath Ahmed – Director, Marketing

• Ahmed Shan Ali – Director, Information Technology

MDRI will function parallel to Regional Alliance for Fostering Youth (RAFY) – an NGO which aims to form a group of youth leaders from Asia to create a common platform they are fostered and nurtured through leadership mentoring, and by engaging them in constructive dialogue to address pressing issues they face.

RAFY needs a great deal of research and development focusing youth, trainings, seminars, workshops and advocacy programs.

MDRI will function parallel to RAFY in order to coordinate, facilitate and manage the events.

The event ended with a plaque of appreciation awarded by Rafiyya to chief guest of the ceremony – Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed Zuhoor for his work in developing and empowering youth through capacity development and sports.

Special guests who attended the ceremony include Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Akhilesh Mishra, President of Hope for Women - Aneesa Ahmed, South Maafannu MP Abdulla Rifau, Vice President of Civil Service Commission - Jameela Ali Khalid, and Chairman of Maldives Ports Limited - Ali Rifau.