Shafeeu: Scout Association to be arranged office building within next week

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, on Friday night, said a space will be allocated to the Scout Association of Maldives for its headquarters and shop within the upcoming week.

The announcement comes after the temporary closure of the Association’s former headquarters and Scout Shop, previously based at the old Arabiyya School building on Chaandhanee Magu. The shutdown, last Wednesday, was prompted by the Association’s unsuccessful efforts to find an alternative location after it was instructed to vacate the old premises.

The old Arabiyya School building also features the National Cadet Corps headquarters and serves as a godown for various items belonging to the Education Ministry.

Notably, the old Arabiyya School building is severely rundown with damage to its pillars as well. Arabiyya School relocated from the building in 2022 after it was deemed too unsafe.

Speaking with Sun on Friday, Education Minister Shafeeu said the relevant authorities are preparing to vacate and demolish the building as its condition has further deteriorated. As such, the Minister said the Ministry has begun efforts to relocate its belongings and has issued notices to both the Scout Association and Cadet Corps to vacate the premises.

“By the will of Almighty, we are hoping to allocate office space for them within the upcoming week. I have instructed PS to allocate space if there is any available space at various locations belonging to Education [Ministry] by tomorrow [today] even, if possible,” he added.

Shafeeu said an alternative space for the Scout Shop will also be arranged within the upcoming week.

Back on the National Scout Day in May, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had acknowledged the need for greater government support towards Scout activities.

He highlighted on the poor state of the building that housed Scout HQ, and pledged to facilitate financial and infrastructure support to the Scout Association.

“They are faced with many challenges. They have no home, and have to move around in an old rundown building. This is not how it should be,” he said.