‘CHOCO’ is a non-governmental organization based in G.Dh. Thinadhoo, dreaming and striving about the development of Thinadhoo and Huvadhoo Atoll (Upper South Province). CHOCO believes that the problems and the mishaps in the society occur through weaknesses in the social, economic and the political system in place. These weaknesses call for a higher authority to act as private individuals does not have the necessary incentive to act to prevent and solve the problems and mishaps. Keeping this in mind, this is where CHOCO steps in. CHOCO dreams to be the bridge which would connect the distances created by the inherent weaknesses in the society. CHOCO strives to be part of the development, to increase the pace of the development, and to make a real difference to the lives of all the people in the community that we operate in. CHOCO would operate as an agent where it would work to bring the positive change and development.General Information
Name: CHOCO
Founders: Ahmed Saruvash Adam, Naares, G.Dh. Thinadhoo
Hasan Abdulla, Madharusaadhoshuge, G.Dh. Thinadhoo
Athuhar Ibrahim Rasheed, Night Queen, G.Dh. Thinadhoo
Office Address: Office of CHOCO,
Naares, Gul-hazaaruMagu,
G.Dh. Thinadhoo 17100, Maldives
Telephone: +960 9862 468, +960 999 3500
Email: info@chocomaldives.com
Website: www.chocomaldives.com
Registered Date: 13 April 2009
Registry Number: Q/2009/55/04
Objectives
The 5 objectives of CHOCO are;
• To work towards community and economic development
• To enhance humanity and humility
• To observe nature, environment and culture and help to preserve them
• To assist the community in capacity development of the people
• To analyze the society’s situation and communicate it to the public
Vision
Empower youth to take their place in the society in a broader capacity and contribute to the development of the country at a local, regional and national level.
Create a society with freedom, equality and respect.
Mission
To bridge the gaps in social, political and economic systems of the country; and enhance the capability of youth to engage in the development collectively; and contribute to achieve the vision in a foreseeable future.
Membership
As of 15 Jan 2011, there are 68 members registered.
Executive Committee
Name | Designation |
Saruvash Adam | Chairperson |
Hassan Naseer | Deputy Chairperson |
FathmathShazly | General Secretary |
Ibrahim Fathuhee | Director: Finance |
ArushadZuhair | Director: Socio- Economic Development |
Hassaan Hassan | Director: Human Rights |
Ismail Fathuhy | Director: Arts and Environment |
Mohamed Moosa (Noozam) | Director: Human Resources |
Ali Naasir | Director: Current Affairs |
VifaqSaeed | Deputy Director: Finance |
Hussain Ali | Deputy director: Socio- Economic Development |
Ahmed Ibrahim Didi | Deputy director: Human Rights |
MaashithaYousuf | Deputy director: Arts and Environment |
Asna Hassan Ahmed | Deputy director: Human Resources |
Mohamed Jinah Ail | Deputy director: Current Affairs |
Notable Programs
Higahele Campaign
Higahele Campaign is a voter awareness campaign aimed to increase the voter awareness regarding the voting of the parliament elections of 2009 and also to increase the voter turnout. The program mainly entailed registration checks and voicing out messages that encouraged self-responsibility and condemned the “vote sale” culture. The program was effective to the extent that voter turnout was above 80% in the two constituencies it operated, minimized the effect of the “vote sale” culture.
The Garden Island Project
“Thinadhoo – The Garden Island” is a vision of Choco aimed to increase the environmental awareness; to make the island green and shady; and also to provide an environmentally friendly and a pleasant place for residents and visitors. Under this project tree planting and island cleaning programs have been carried out. CHOCO is also providing assistance to the nature club of G.Dh. Atoll Education Centre under the project. Furthermore, Choco is seeking funding for a public garbage disposal program and is developing the model and plan for garden park in Thinadhoo.
Maavadiya Career Expo
Maavadiya Career Expo was a career fair organized by Choco, took place in G.Dh. Thinadhoo in 24-25 November 2009. The expo drew a lot of attraction from the public and has largely been considered a success. Several educational institutions, including overseas’ colleges, and prominent employers travelled to Thinadhoo to participate in the expo. The event was funded through sponsorship by State Trading Organisation (STO) and Dhiraagu.
Hithevare – Social Responsibility Workshop
The aim of the workshop is to foster new volunteers into various social tasks. The event trained and empowered more than 30 volunteers and we see them involving in community tasks with several NGOs even today. The workshop was endorsed by Maldives Volunteers Corps. The event was carried out in Thinadho on 20 August 2009.
A second edition of Hithevare was carried out in 3-4 January 2011. Altogether 47 participants were awarded certificates for successful completion of the workshop. Majority of the participants are now involved in social activities of Choco and other NGOs in Thinadhoo.
Hydroponics Training
Choco signed with Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TVET) to train youth in Huvadhoo Atoll in the field of hydroponics. Choco sought an opportunity to train a hydroponics trainer through the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture and trained one of our active members in Hanimaadhoo Hydroponics Farm. The trainer conducted the training in G.A. Gemanafushi during August and September 2010 and trained 74 youth and school children.
Quantity Surveying Training
Another program funded by TVET in which Choco has to train 30 participants. Although funding has been cut short by TVET after the advance payment, Choco opted to implement the program. The program is currently underway.
Choco Cup
Choco Cup is an under 16 six-a-side football tournament in G.Dh. Thinadhoo. The tournament has been run twice now – in December 2009 and December 2010. The aim of the cup is to foster young children in sports, especially football, and make Thinadhoo a superpower of local football once again. Furthermore the cup is run during school holidays to provide an extra-curricular and fun activity for school children.
Huvadhoo Master Plan
Huvadho Master Plan is a program funded by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to devise a developmental plan for Huvadhoo Atoll. It is a program that promotes good governance and is the winning proposal out of many from several aspiring NGOs. The program is underway and has completed the survey process. An exposure draft will be released in a few weeks’ time.
Other Programs
Other Programs carried out by Choco so far include,
1- New 7 Wonders Campaigns - to gather votes for Maldives as a new wonder of nature; carried out in G.Dh. Thinadhoo, G.Dh. Hoadehdhoo and G.A. Kolmaafushi.
2- HavaruFoari – To celebrate Eid-al-Adha holidays in G.Dh. Thinadhoo; in collaboration with several other youth and NGOs
3- Celebration of important days such as Independence Day and Youth Day
4- Participated in events and programs such as Democracy Fair 2009, International Day of Climate Action 2009, Walk Maldives etc.
