In April 2025, I travelled across five islands in Dhaalu Atoll, Meedhoo, Bandidhoo, Rinbudhoo, Hulhudheli, and Maaenboodhoo, to conduct nutrition awareness sessions for preschool parents and communities. The outreach programme was funded by the World Health Organization and jointly organised by Dhaalu Atoll Hospital and the Health Protection Agency of the Maldives.

Throughout the sessions, parents actively shared their concerns, questions, and experiences, creating valuable discussions beyond the planned presentations. In Meedhoo, participants suggested practical training sessions for PHU staff and combined activities for children and parents. In Hulhudheli, parents expressed interest in having dedicated sessions for teachers in the future.

In Rinbudhoo, discussions extended to concerns regarding pesticide residues on vegetables and common nutrition myths, providing an opportunity to address practical food handling questions and misconceptions. Across the outreach, many participants stayed after sessions to continue discussions and seek further guidance.

The final session in Maaenboodhoo had the largest audience of the outreach, with strong participation and engagement that made it a memorable conclusion to the series of sessions.