About Us
Handstogether is a non-governmental organization founded through an online campaign advocating the rights of Maldivian Drug Act 17/2011. Serving in areas related to human rights and quality standards in drug treatment. Actively involved in outreach work and hosting support group meetings assisting patients sustain recovery. We assist the homeless reach shelter by directing them to respective authorities and provide them with food
From the 14th of September 2020 a movement took effect advocating the rights of the Maldivian drug act 17/2011. In the 10 years since this act has come into place the authority National Drug Agency (NDA) continues failing to implement the needful. The Strategic Action Plan (SAP) 2019-2023 of the Government of Maldives Drug Rehabilitation process is very well detailed with implementing authorities clearly specified. However, SAP enforcement is also lacking.
We have met with Minister of Gender and Family, State Minister of Gender and Family, NDA Board and NDCC and presented the evidence collected. Research has been done and data collected and presented with outlined essential points raised in 54th human rights committee meeting of Parliament of Maldives of which the Report has not been Published yet.
In addition to the online campaign and meetings with relevant authorities as a first event we held a peaceful protest outside NDA on 08th of December 2020. On Human Rights Day 10th of December 2020 we held a second peaceful protest in Carnival stage area.
starting a petition to #ChangeNDA, on 28th December 2020 with live music and open mic at carnival stage area in Male’. Along with which we also launched an online petition. held a second signing event in Hulhumale’ on the 8th of January 2021. held a third signing event in Villingili on the 15th of January 2021. A barbeque to engage with community with open mic for sharing with public. As previous events this event also had poster prints for public awareness. The final signing event was held in Rasfannu Male on 23rd January 2021. We received a total of 1055 signatures including signatures from other islands; N.Velidhoo, Dh.Meedhoo, Gn.Fuvahmulah and Addu City.
Simultaneously Handstogether has taken the initiave of listing some of the homeless drug community. This information has been continuorsly shared with relevant authorities since November 2020.
We are carrying out outreach work assisting patients reach NDA’s treatment system. Another service we started is providing the needful for those in Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers. Clothes and toiletries have been sent to them through NDA. Patients who go into detoxification usually go in a state where they do not even have a change of clothes.
We have held support group meetings on Social Center grounds in Male’ till covid restrictions has put a hold on it. This is one of our events that gained so much support from the recovering addicts community. Number people who joined to share there journey of recovery increased day by day.
Recently worked with NDA and 2 other NGO’s to setup and run a 1month detox camp in a facility in hulhumale for 30 clients.
We have been carrying out our activities as a service with passionate volunteers operating the NGO. Our finances have been managed amongst ourselves during this time out of our own pockets. We received aid from individuals and groups in the form of food, drinks and some generous funding for our events.
More Information
- Employer Type
- NGO
- Industries
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- Social work activities without accommodation
- Activities of membership organizations
- Other personal service activities
- Public Administration and defense; compulsory social security