Villa College, in collaboration with UNICEF, has successfully concluded the "Parenting Symposium 2026," an initiative organized by students of the college’s Master of Clinical Psychology and Master of Counseling programs focusing on child upbringing and development.
Held under the theme "Early Years Matter: Supporting Parents Through Integrated Systems," the symposium aimed to foster extensive dialogue and identify solutions for supporting parents through a robust, integrated framework of health, education, and social services, rather than through isolated institutional efforts.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Edward Addai, the UNICEF Representative to the Maldives. In his keynote address, Dr. Addai highlighted the critical importance of early childhood in shaping lifelong health, learning, and well-being, noting that supporting children effectively begins with providing direct support to their parents.
He further emphasized that when health, education, and social services operate as a unified team from the earliest stages of a child's life, families receive comprehensive support, children thrive, and the entire community becomes empowered.
Speaking at the ceremony, Villa College Vice Rector Dr. Ali Najeeb stated that the institution believes education should transcend the classroom and deliver direct benefits to the community.
Dr. Najeeb commended the Master’s students for their hard work in organizing the symposium, noting that they have set an example by moving beyond theoretical learning to provide practical solutions for Maldivian families.
Underscoring that supporting a child requires first supporting the parent, Dr. Najeeb assured parents and caregivers that they do not have to navigate these challenges alone. He reaffirmed Villa College’s commitment to standing by parents, learning alongside them, and providing continuous support.
A key highlight of the symposium was a panel discussion featuring Azra Moosa, a student at Villa College; Zaheena Mufeed, a Special Education Teacher at Aminiya School; Fathimath Azza, Director General at the Ministry of Education and Chair of the Joint Parenting Program Steering Committee; Fathimath Shahuru, Senior Psychologist at Hulhumalé Hospital; and Aminath Shahula, Health and Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF.
The panel focused on the necessity of supporting families through an integrated system rather than fragmented institutional services to ensure proper health, education, and social development during early childhood.
Panelists also engaged in a broad discussion regarding the administrative and systemic hurdles families face in childcare and the resulting psychological impact on parents. Special attention was given to the burdens parents endure when seeking health and educational services due to the lack of a coordinated support system during critical stages of a child's development.
Highlighting that the first five years are the most crucial for a child’s brain and cognitive development, the panelists stressed the importance of early intervention. They noted the need to distinguish between developmental delays and environmental factors, such as excessive screen time and lack of social interaction, adding that early detection and appropriate support can mitigate long-term negative impacts.
The afternoon session featured research paper presentations by Villa College students, offering in-depth academic perspectives on issues directly relevant to Maldivian society. Additionally, Master of Psychology students organized practical workshops for the participants.
Villa College described the symposium as a significant step toward building a comprehensive, multi-institutional support system for parents in the Maldives. The college reaffirmed its dedication to facilitating academic and professional discourse and working continuously to bring positive practical changes to society through rigorous research.
