A Dream!

Maldivian people are proud in their own unique ways. Our communities consist of people who suppress their true feelings, silence their voices and pretend that everything is perfect in their lives when in fact they are on the verge of collapsing from the pressure. We live under the illusion that we are a nation without poor people, orphans, special needs children and families who need others help for their survival.  But there are people in our society who struggles to have basic necessities on a daily basis. We do have people who need our support and generosity. One may disagree with this view based on the fact that we do not have people dressed in filthy rags, sleeping on the road and searching for food in the garbage. Instead we see people dressed in latest fabrics in market, even if they don’t have enough to have three decent meals a day or to buy the medicine so desperately needed. It would be hard for one to understand who actually needs help and who does not. It happens because we are obsess with our outward appearances. It’s ironic that some temporary refugees actually “demanded” for things they wanted after the Tsunami and refused certain items offered to them.

Even so, there are people who are humble, who really need and want to improve their quality of life, educate their children, discover their children’s capabilities and improve their skills so they would be useful, self-reliant citizens but not a burden to anyone when they become adults. But they are unfortunate and do not have any means to make that a reality. There are people who need help but are hesitant to show their sorry state of life for fear that they would be rejected and humiliated. Few among us actually really feel for such people and try to make a difference in their lives in a long-term basis. The rest shrugs and says “I can’t save them all!” If someone needs these poor people’s “help” we tend to be very generous for that short period of time. Once the ‘season’ is over they would be forgotten once again until next time.

We see the majority of our youthful population engaged in activities that are harmful and disturbing. Most of them are frustrated, bored and hopeless. The longer they stay idle the more it becomes dangerous. The issue is addressed in various forums and the blame is always on not having enough sports and entertainment facilities and opportunities for youth. It is an undeniable fact and it is true to some extent. But more sports venues, pool cafe’s, cinemas and discos would not solve the problems we have today. A difference would be made if our youth is engaged in positive things. We should pave the way for them to become proactive in areas that would open their hearts and awaken their souls. When we encourage their creative talents and help them to succeed. The impossible may be possible with their commitment and leadership.

There are many people who belong to middle class and rich families who do not have a clue about the poor, needy people in our country. The opportunity was not given for them to witness and experience the poor condition and the hardship people go through in some of the islands. It would be worthwhile to have programmes for our school children and youths to educate them about social issues and lay the foundation for the future betterment of our society. If they get a chance to firsthand experience poverty they would become more conscious of their blessings.

Most Maldivian parents are willing to host overseas students in their homes under cultural exchange programmes. We are willing to pay any amount to send our children abroad on Scout or Girl Guide jamborees. Would we hesitate to send our children and spend for a similar experience in our own islands? Such an experience may teach them a very valuable lesson. It may bring them to the realisation, how fortunate they are to have their PSP’s, PS3’s, latest mobile phones and a wardrobe full of clothes. They may start to appreciate the food on their table more than now after having seen people who don’t have such variety and nutritious food for their meals. They may realise that there are children who could use their old keyboard or guitar and could play it very well. They may realise that there are children who has never owned story books with such fancy covers and colourful pictures. They may start to appreciate the natural beauty of our country and get pleasure from simple things in life. They may find it silly to dress like adults at the age of thirteen; their main goal only to impress the guy or the girl whom they have a crush on. They may not waste their precious time to call and take part in a TV or radio programme that asks every caller “Do you have a boyfriend?”, “What would you do if he gets angry with you for having a friend of opposite sex or has seen you in a coffee with him or her?” “What would you do if he gets angry with you for no reason?” They may stop being unsure of themselves when asked a question, saying “ dhen dho” and “ehen kanneyge” all the time in a conversation. Instead, we may have a few of our own Craig Kielburger’s, Angelina Jolie’s and Bono’s equivalent in future.