Villa College Hosts Public Lecture on Psycho-Social Risks and Mental Health in the Workplace: 24th Jan 2024
An insightful public lecture on psycho-social risks and mental health in the workplace was hosted at Villa College, featuring Professor Carla Semedo from the University of Évora, Portugal. The session highlighted the profound impact of stressors like burnout and emotional strain on both employee well-being and productivity. Professor Semedo emphasized preventive strategies and the need to create supportive workplace environments. The lecture served as a valuable platform for students, faculty, and professionals to deepen their understanding of organizational mental health and promote healthier, more sustainable work cultures.
Villa College Unveils New Gymnasium Promoting Student and Staff Wellness: 25th Feb 2024
Villa College proudly inaugurated the VFIT Fitness Centre, its first on-campus gymnasium, dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of its staff and students, including those from Villa International High School. The facility was officially opened by the Maldives Commissioner of Sports, Mr. Mohamed Tholal, who stressed the importance of maintaining fitness amidst today’s busy schedules. The establishment of the VFIT Fitness Centre highlights the College's commitment to holistic education, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and creating a balanced environment for personal and professional growth.
Villa College Hosts Successful Symposium On: Exploration and Implementation Of Precision Medicine Focused Healthcare: 5th Mar 2024
On March 5, 2024, Villa College, in partnership with the Villa Foundation and Auburn University, USA, hosted a symposium on "Exploration and Implementation of Precision Medicine Focused Healthcare" to familiarize educators, students, and pharmacy professionals in the Maldives and Sri Lanka with emerging trends like pharmacogenomics. The event, featuring distinguished Auburn faculty and a key panel of Maldivian health officials, fostered essential dialogue among academia and regulatory bodies to address challenges and promote innovation in pharmacy education. This successful platform directly supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals to deliver advanced, patient-centered care.
Clinical Orientation for Nursing Students: 7th Mar 2024
On March 7, 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences at Villa College held a Clinical Orientation Session for C4 and Diploma in Nursing students preparing for their placements. The session was designed to ensure student readiness for their four-to-six-week rotations in diverse hospital environments, where they apply theoretical knowledge and develop essential clinical skills. Villa College extends its gratitude to IGMH, Hulhumalé Hospital, and Tree Top Hospital for their invaluable collaboration in facilitating these vital, hands-on learning opportunities.
Villa College Health Outreach Initiative at Villingilli: 19th April 2024
Faculty of Health Sciences participated in health outreach events at Villingilli, focusing on health awareness and promotion. The initiative aimed to educate the community on preventive healthcare practices while providing students with practical experience in community health engagement. As part of the Community Health Nursing Module, Diploma in Nursing students visited K. Villingili School to learn about school health programs and conduct health assessments of children, gaining hands-on experience in promoting child health and wellness within the community.
Villa College Promotes Accessible Mental Health Support in the Maldives - Mental Health Awareness Week 2024: 19th May 2025
As part of Villa College’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental well-being, the College spotlighted organizations and establishments offering free mental health services in the Maldives. This initiative aims to ensure that mental health care remains accessible to everyone, regardless of financial constraints. The VCare Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre at Villa College provides free psychosocial support to all students and staff. These one-on-one sessions offer a safe and confidential environment for individuals to express themselves and manage stress, tension, and emotional challenges effectively. In addition, the Mental Health Support Group (MHSG) offers free integrated arts sessions and peer-support programs, fostering self-expression, creativity, and emotional healing through community engagement. For those needing further professional help, VCare also offers consultations and psychological assessments, ensuring comprehensive care for mental health and well-being.
Villa College Highlights Key Facts About Mental Health: 17th May 2025
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, Villa College shared key facts and reminders to emphasize the importance of maintaining good mental well-being and seeking support when needed. The initiative highlighted that mental health should always be a top priority, and it is completely acceptable to seek help whenever required. Mental health issues are more common than most people realize, and there is no shame in acknowledging or addressing them. Students and staff were also reminded that it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions and that one should never suppress their true self out of fear of being judged. Reaching out to a trusted friend or a professional can make a significant difference in managing stress and emotional challenges.
Australia Maldives Dialogue Series: Public Lecture on Youth Mental Health at VC: 10th June 2024
As part of the Australia Maldives Dialogue Series on Youth Mental Health, Villa College hosted a public lecture on 10 June 2024 featuring Professor Patrick McGorry, Professor for Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and Executive Director of Orygen. The event, facilitated by the Institute for Research and Innovation at Villa College, was held at the Main Hall of the QI Campus and drew a diverse audience of students, faculty, and professionals. Professor McGorry discussed the impact of COVID-19 on youth mental health, emphasizing that while there has been a notable decline since the pandemic, correlation does not necessarily indicate causation. The session provided valuable insights into the challenges affecting youth mental well-being and highlighted strategies to support mental health resilience among young people.
Pharmacy Oath Taking and White Coat Ceremony: 21st Aug 2024
Villa College held its Pharmacy Oath Taking and White Coat Ceremony for the Bachelor of Pharmacy students, an event graced by Dr. Ahmed Ashraf, Director General of Health Services, as the Chief Guest. The ceremony included a welcome by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ms. Aishath Mala, who emphasized the expanded and vital role of pharmacists in modern healthcare beyond just dispensing medicines. Following the presentation of the symbolic white coats, twenty-two students took their professional oath, signifying their ethical commitment to the profession. Chief Guest Dr. Ahmed Ashraf and Vice Rector Dr. Ali Najeeb commended Villa College for its pioneering role as the first institution in the Maldives to host this ceremony and for significantly strengthening the nation’s healthcare workforce. The event successfully marked a crucial milestone for the students as they began their professional journey, urged to uphold ethics and embrace lifelong learning.
Webinar on Islamic and Psychological Aspects of Parenting: 3rd Oct 2024
FSL in collaboration with Moms Aid, conducted a webinar on “Islamic and the Psychological Aspects of Parenting.” The session offered a profound exploration of the essential elements needed to foster healthy and strong family units. The webinar featured Uza. Aishath Khaleela and Dr. Aishath Nasheedha as esteemed speakers, who delivered insightful discussions on the intricate balance between religious principles and psychological well-being in raising children. Their perspectives provided valuable guidance on nurturing harmonious family environments and reinforcing the foundations of resilient communities. This initiative reflects Villa College’s commitment to promoting holistic education and community well-being through meaningful collaborations and knowledge sharing.
“Every Woman - Empowering Women for Better Communities”: 19th Oct 2024
As part of Villa College’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, Mom’s Aid NGO, Villa College, and the Villa College Law Society joined hands under the “Every Woman – Empowering Women for Better Communities” campaign to host a meaningful session on “Tharubiyyathu” in Ha. Kelaa. The session was facilitated by FES Senior Lecturer at Villa College, who shared valuable insights on effective parenting. Participants gained essential knowledge and practical strategies to nurture and support their families, fostering stronger, more resilient communities. This collaborative initiative reflects Villa College’s ongoing commitment to empowering women, strengthening family wellbeing, and contributing to community development through education and awareness.
Clinical Orientation Equips Nursing Students for Hospital Practice: 7th Nov 2024
The Faculty of Health Sciences conducted a Clinical Orientation for Nursing students to prepare them for their upcoming clinical placements. The sessions were facilitated by senior Nursing Managers from Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), Hulhumalé Hospital, ADK Hospital, and Tree Top Hospital. This orientation served as an essential introduction for the nursing interns, helping them understand hospital standards, clinical protocols, and professional expectations. It also emphasized the importance of teamwork, communication, and adaptability within healthcare settings. Through this program, students are better equipped to integrate into real-world hospital environments and deliver quality patient care with confidence and competence.
Villa College Participation in the First Health Expo: 7 & 8 Nov 2024
The Faculty of Health Sciences actively participated in the first-ever Health Expo organized by the Ministry of Health. This landmark event provided a unique platform to engage with the public on health awareness, preventive care, and educational opportunities in healthcare. Villa College, in collaboration with the Chinese Language Center, offered basic health screenings, health education sessions, and guidance on Villa College programs and courses, reaching a wide audience of community members. Students and faculty were actively involved in delivering these services, ensuring participants received personalized advice and practical health information. This initiative highlighted Villa College’s commitment to community health promotion, public engagement, and experiential learning, reinforcing its role in supporting national health priorities while providing students with meaningful, hands-on outreach experience.
Workshop on Life Tables and Life Expectancy Strengthens Collaboration in Mortality Data Analysis: 18 to 21 Nov 2024
A Workshop on Life Tables and Life Expectancy was successfully held from 18 to 21 November 2024, jointly facilitated by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The workshop aimed to enhance collaboration among key national institutions involved in mortality data collection, analysis, and reporting, contributing to the improvement of population health statistics and evidence-based policy planning. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Health, The Maldives National University (MNU), and Villa College, among other stakeholders. The interactive sessions provided hands-on training in developing and interpreting life tables, estimating life expectancy, and improving data quality for national health monitoring.
Villa College Hosts Engaging Psychology Exhibition: 23th Nov 2024
Villa College hosted an exciting Psychology Exhibition on 23 November 2024, offering visitors a captivating journey into the complexities of human behavior and mental processes. The event featured a variety of interactive and engaging stalls, highlighting critical topics such as mental health, forensic psychology, developmental psychology, and more. The exhibition was inaugurated by His Excellency David Jessup, Australian High Commissioner, who served as the Chief Guest. Following the official opening, His Excellency toured the displays and commended the innovative efforts of the participants. With nine unique stalls, the exhibition explored a diverse range of psychological themes, including Motivation, Sensation and Perception, Memory, Sleep, Learning, Emotion, and Intelligence. Visitors of all ages actively participated in hands-on activities, experiments, and discussions, making complex psychological concepts accessible and engaging. This initiative served as an excellent platform for raising awareness about the importance of psychology in daily life and fostering a deeper understanding of the human mind. Villa College remains committed to organizing events that inspire learning, innovation, and community engagement, while promoting academic excellence.
Tree Top Hospital Awards Nursing Scholarships to Four Students: 8th Dec 2024
Tree Top Hospital (TTH) awarded scholarships to four students under the Nursing Scholarship Programme during a special ceremony held on 8 December 2024 at Tree Top Hospital. The recipients — Aminath Athufa, Aminath Iblaa Theef, Khaleemath Hulwa, and Mariyam Misha — were awarded scholarships to pursue the Diploma in Nursing programme at Villa College. The initiative is part of TTH’s continued commitment to developing skilled healthcare professionals in the Maldives by creating exceptional educational opportunities for aspiring nurses. Since its inception in September 2021, the scholarship programme has played a significant role in fostering the growth of the nursing workforce. To date, 19 students have benefited from the TTH Nursing Scholarship Programme — with seven graduates (one with a nursing degree and six with diplomas), ten students currently pursuing the Diploma in Nursing, and two students enrolled in the BSc (Hons) Nursing (International) programme. The Diploma in Nursing is a three-year programme offered by Villa College, while the BSc (Hons) Nursing (International) is a two-year programme awarded by the University of the West of England, UK. To date, 1,139 students have graduated from nursing programmes at Villa College, with 616 students currently enrolled across various levels.
Inclusivity of Persons with Disabilities in Healthcare: 3rd Dec 2024
Faculty of Health Sciences, Villa College, hosted the second session of its Health Expertise Series on the theme “Inclusivity of Persons with Disabilities in Healthcare”, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event provided an important platform to address critical issues and advocate for more inclusive healthcare practices. Led by Muawiyath M. Didi, disability rights advocate and MAPD Project Coordinator, the session highlighted the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in accessing healthcare. Discussions focused on key challenges such as accessibility, policy gaps, and the need to strengthen healthcare provider training. With the participation of over 80 attendees, including students from the disability community, the session encouraged meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions to make healthcare more equitable. Villa College also honored the dedication of students with disabilities through special acknowledgments, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and equity in education and healthcare.
Villa College Hosts Session on Pre-Clinical Drug Discovery: 18th Dec 2024
The Faculty of Health Sciences at Villa College, in collaboration with the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development, successfully conducted an insightful session on Pre-Clinical Drug Discovery. The session was led by Professor Dr. Anand Gaurav from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India, who shared valuable knowledge on the early stages of drug development. Dr. Gaurav highlighted the promising role of zebrafish models in pre-clinical research, emphasizing their growing significance in identifying potential therapeutic compounds. He also explored innovative approaches in the field and discussed potential patent opportunities associated with these models, providing participants with a comprehensive perspective on both scientific and intellectual property considerations. The session welcomed participants from Senahiya Hospital, Hulhumalé Hospital, and Life Support Pvt Ltd, enriching the discussions with diverse professional perspectives. Students and staff from Villa College gained practical insights into advancements in drug discovery, research methodologies, and innovation management.
