Rathafandhoo
| Rathafandhoo | |
|---|---|
| Inhabited island | |
  Rathafandhoo | |
| Coordinates: 00°15′13″N 73°06′18″E / 0.25361°N 73.10500°ECoordinates: 00°15′13″N 73°06′18″E / 0.25361°N 73.10500°E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Administrative atoll | Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll |
| Distance to Malé | 431 km (268 mi) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.3716 km2 (0.1435 sq mi) |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 1.275 km (0.792 mi) |
| • Width | 0.250 km (0.155 mi) |
| Population (Island Office Data 2010) | |
| • Total | 1,325 |
| • Density | 3,600/km2 (9,200/sq mi) |
| Time zone | MST (UTC+05:00) |
Rathafandhoo (Dhivehi: ރަތަފަންދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. The island is located at the South West of South Huvadhu Atoll.
History
According to the history of the Maldives, the islanders are famous for its handicrafts and making nets (kunaa) from local plant called Hau. Some islanders still do mat weaving work which is a famous souvenir for the tourists who visits Maldives.
Education
The main facility which offers the primary and secondary education in the island is the school namely Rathafandhoo School in the island. There are pre-schools which provide the pre-school education the children of the island. The data provided by island office shows that total of 154 students study in the Rathafandhoo School. Total of 21 teachers work in the school to provide education.
Health care
Health Centre provide the basic health needs to the islanders such as minor injuries, cuts and common cold and flu. If the serious health issue is there, islanders have to go to the nearest Regional hospital located in the atoll capital Thinadhoo, which will take about 45 minutes in a speed boat.
Economy
Most common source of economical work for the residents are sea cucumber fishing, mat weaving, agriculture, reef fishing and carpentry etc.
Police
In late 2008, the residents were provided the security service from the Maldives Police Service by opening a police station in the Island. The three police personal based station gave satisfaction to the residents as the there are drugs cases, gang fights, robbery and theft in the island.
NGOs
The most active NGO in the island is READY (Rathafandhoo Eminent Association for Dynamic youth). READY conducts various activities to islanders for their benefit and the development. Such activities include the Training Programs and Capacity Building programs on Various fields including Information Technology, Quran recitation Competitions, READY Football and Futsal Competition and other various awareness campaigns Targeted on Topic such as Health and Education.
Migration
Due to poor quality and limitations of some of basic services such as Healthcare, Education and Lack of Economical and Job Opportunities more than Half of the Registered Residents of the Island live in Capital Male' City.
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