Vaikaradhoo (Haa Dhaalu Atoll)

Vaikaradhoo
Island Summary
Belongs to	Haa Dhaalu Atoll
Population	1732
Length	1300 m
Width	690 m
Distance from Malé	268.85 km

Vaikaradhoo (Dhivehi: ވައިކަރަދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll administrative division and geographically part of Thiladhunmathi in the north of the Maldives. It is a medium-sized agricultural community by Maldivian standards.

Vaikaradhoo was one of the islands severely damaged by the great cyclone of 1821 that hit the northern atolls of the Maldives.

The ruins of a hawaitta (archeological mounds) known locally as the Jaadi Valhuithan stands on the western periphery of the island. The larger of the two mounds measures 55 by 75 feet. On the nearby uninhabited island of Vaikaramuraidhoo remains of what appears to be a mosque created by early inhabitants of Vaikaradhoo is found. A cemetery and a well are found in close proximity to the site.

Island Administration

In 2011 the local council election was won by candidates of ruling MDP (Maldivian Democratic Party). Radical Islam practitioners were controlling the island for more than 15 years which led the people to move away from the Island to avoid the disturbance of their culture. As a result, the living population decreased to around 650 people from 1700 people. Most of the "Radical Islam" followers are controlled by Adhalath.
Elected Local Council Members

1. Abdullah Nishan
2. Ahmed Waheed [President]
3. Abdullah Shareef [Vice President]
4. Ali Amir
5. Adam Shahid

Education

After world war II, the island became notable for its high literacy rate and awareness about general knowledge. Schools were built to teach Quran, essential religious concepts, and Arabic. Most of the teachers were local people who are familiar with Arabic language. Some of the best were in the northern part of Maldives, in exception to Lhaviyani Atoll Naifaru. Ever since, the people were proud to hold the title of most educated Island in Northern part of Maldives.

In 1984 with the help of Japanese grants to Maldives, five class room schools were built with administrative offices and lodging. Students were admitted to grade one who were 6 and half to 7 years old. Students above 7 years old were admitted into "special classes". At the time there was no special curriculum for them to teach.

In 1989 new school master Mr. Hussain Hassain, Fufoomaage / H.Dh.Vaikaradhoo, made arrangements to discontinue special classes allowing the students to enter grade classes according to their qualification. Soon grade 6 and grade 7 were introduced to the school. After a smooth run for 2 years by Mr. Hussain Hassan, he had to leave to another Island.

In 1994 school management decided to introduce grade 8 to the school, and students were repeated in the same grade for more than 3 or 4 years in the hope joining 8th grade. At last the dream came into reality in 1996, when they introduced 8th grade commerce stream.

Obstacles

Substandard educators and management officials are a major risk to current education on the Island. Some employees who were trained as temporary teachers due to their longtime service were promoted in their rank without looking at their academic qualification. It led to mismanagement and other negative consequences. The Government allocates a budget for Educational activities, which is managed by school management. There are rumors that allocated budgets are not fully spent almost every year. While students are in need of extra help and facilities, the remaining fund is given back to Government.

Economy

The Island specialized in producing agricultural products limited to few varieties of short term crops, including watermelon, scotch bonnet pepper, green chili, papaya, taro, and pumpkin. From the beginning of the 19th century, they were the largest producer of Finger-millets in the country, which helped them to stave off starvation during world war II. Finger-millet (Binbi) and screwpine (Kashi-keyo) fruits were largely traded between Raa atoll people in exchange of goods or money. Islanders were spread wide across northern deserted islands from Haa Alif Atoll to Baa Atoll, which flourished them enormous wealth of food supply to their people, including finger-millets, corn and sorghum.

Since the beginning of dictator Maumoon Abdul Qasoom's regime farming became almost extinct. After longtime again people started to grow water melon and few varieties of vegetable in a very minor scale. Most of the people practiced it as a hobby than to make a living from it.

History

Maamiskiyy Tharaagandu, located close to Virares office, is believed to be the second oldest mosque used as cemetery as well as a mosque. Present archaeological evidence predicts that it was built between 15th - 17th century, and it was built in the center of their village allowing the villagers to access the mosque with ease. In addition, the place had coconut trees, bread, and fruit trees which were grown domestically.

Media & Socialization

Being an isolated small Island, Islanders know each other very well. Mass social gathering are often taken place on festivals or on special ceremonies, such as wedding and birthday ceremonies.In year 2003 cable TV service was introduced to the island by a private operator for small fee which was less than $7.00 per month. Due to relegiouse conflicts among subscribers the service was discontinued after couple of years. In year 2009, people started to us "AirTell" satellite dishes to watch the TV shows.

Online Media

Since year 2005 two online news papers are published dedicated to the Island. "Vaikaradhoo Live" contributed to overthrow former government of dictator Maumoon Abdul Qayoom. Since the successful attempt of collapsing the government on year 2008 with allied medias, the owner decided to cease the news. At the end of year 2010, "Vaikaradhoo Live" popped out claiming the team is back with new hopes. The current website contents are mostly inappropriate for public viewing as it often calls for violation and to spread hatred among individuals. Due to monopoly in Online media, three new websites came into existence, www.vaikaradhoolive.com, www.vaikaradhoo.com and www.jaadi.net.

Important links

• (Dhivehi) www.vaikaradhoolive.com
• (Dhivehi) www.vaikaradhoo.com
• (Dhivehi) www.hdhatollschool.edu.mv
• (Dhivehi) www.jaadi.net