In April 2025, I had the opportunity to travel across five islands of Dhaalu Atoll to promote healthy eating through awareness sessions for preschool parents. This trip was funded by the World Health Organization and jointly organised by Dhaalu Atoll Hospital and the Health Protection Agency.
Nutrition Sessions:
Dhaalu Atoll Outreach
Day 1: Meedhoo – Bandidhoo – Rinbudhoo
The trip began in Dhaalu Meedhoo, where I conducted a morning session for an engaged group of parents. After the session, they requested a practical training for PHU staff and suggested a combined session for school children and their parents, a great sign of community interest.
In the afternoon, I continued to Dhaalu Bandidhoo. The parents were incredibly appreciative, with many staying back even after the session ended, eager to hear more.
There were plenty of questions from parents, and I was glad to see how openly they shared their concerns and how receptive they were to practical advice.
By evening, I reached Dhaalu Rinbudhoo, where the audience ranged from very young mothers to elderly women. The session turned into a lively discussion, with parents expressing concerns about pesticide residues on vegetables. I explained how to wash and handle produce safely, and also took time to address some common nutrition myths, including the surprising belief that carrots weaken bones.
Day 2: Hulhudheli – Maaenboodhoo
In the morning, I visited Dhaalu Hulhudheli. As the session had to be shortened to 20 minutes due to prayer time, I focused on answering the most asked questions and shared nutrition resource QR codes for later reading. However, many parents said they'd much rather listen to me than read. They also requested a dedicated session for teachers in the future.
The final stop was Dhaalu Maaenboodhoo, where we received the largest audience of the entire trip. The hall was filled with parents, and the energy in the room was incredible. Their active participation and enthusiasm made it a memorable closing session.
Throughout the trip, I was deeply moved by the enthusiasm, curiosity, and appreciation shown by parents across all five islands. These sessions reminded me how powerful conversations can be in shifting mindsets and building healthier communities.