Maldives.net.mv – Dusit Thani Maldives recently joined forces with the Island Council, the local Police and the School Board of Dhonfanu, a neighbouring island in Baa Atoll, to construct a pre-school for local children. The work is already underway and to date, the resort has donated construction materials worth USD 20,000 (Maldivian Rufiya 308,400).

The pre-school will measure roughly 80 square metres and will encompass a classroom, a teacher’s office with store room, ablutions facilities and a covered porch.  Completion of the project is expected by June 2015.

The project was conceived early last year between key members of the Dhonfanu community and Mr. Desmond Hatton, General Manager at Dusit Thani Maldives. During the discussions, the need for improving facilities for pre-school aged children was identified. Dusit International’s CEO Mr. Chanin Donavanik has also extended his support towards this project.

According to Mr. Hatton, “Dusit Thani Maldives is committed to supporting our neighbours, whether through large projects or small. The construction of this pre-school in Dhonfanu is a great accomplishment for all those involved, and will give the youngest members of the community a good start in life.”

Through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, Dusit Thani Maldives funds projects in a number of spheres including community development and biodiversity conservation. In addition to the Dhonfanu Pre-School, the resort supports Operation Smile, the Turtle Tracking Program, clean-up campaigns at Hanifaru Bay and local Sand Banks and more. The funds for CSR activities are accrued mainly through resort guest donation programs. This is also coupled up with contribution from employees of the resort.