The island of N. Magoodhoo came together on January 31st, 2025, to celebrate the successful completion of Budu Fothi, a pioneering reusable nappy initiative aimed at reducing nappy waste and promoting sustainable parenting practices. The program was collaboratively led by Soneva Namoona, Magoodhoo Council, the Magoodhoo Women’s Development Committee, and the Magoodhoo Health Centre.

The four-month trial, which ran from August to December 2024, provided 33 children (from 31 families) in Magoodhoo with a cloth nappy kit, educational resources on their usage, and access to a community support group. The initiative sought to evaluate the economic, environmental, and social benefits of cloth nappies while encouraging behavior change within the community.

At the community celebration, families, stakeholders, and local leaders gathered to acknowledge the program’s impact and recognise outstanding participants. The event featured an official ceremony, stalls with educational and sustainability-themed activities, and opportunities for families to share their experiences.

Key Achievements of the Budu Fothi Program:

●     60% of the participating children adopted the use of cloth nappies, with most families using them alongside disposables.

●     Four parents fully transitioned to cloth nappies during the trial, including one parent who had already adopted cloth nappies prior to the program.

●     Parents reported significant financial savings and noted that cloth nappies contributed to faster potty training for their children.

●     Over 80% of participating parents stated they would recommend cloth nappies to other families.

●     Four S Traders, a local retail shop in Magoodhoo, has now been established as an official agent for cloth nappies, ensuring continued access to sustainable nappy options in the community.

Reena Mohamedfulhu, a participating mother in the Budu Fothi program, shared her experience, saying, "At first, I was hesitant about switching to cloth nappies—I worried whether they would be comfortable for my baby. But to my surprise, my baby didn’t seem to mind the difference at all. In fact, using cloth nappies helped speed up the potty training process, which was an unexpected benefit. And the savings have been significant—since making the switch, we’ve saved over MVR 1,000 every month. I’m really glad we joined this program, and I would definitely recommend cloth nappies to other parents."

Reflecting on the program, Maajidha Hassan, President of the Magoodhoo Women’s Development Committee, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating,
"Budu Fothi has demonstrated that small changes can lead to significant benefits for families and the environment. By reducing waste and offering a healthier alternative, this program has empowered parents to make sustainable choices for their children’s future."

Khadeeja Hamid, Reduce Manager of Soneva Namoona, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in driving systemic change, saying:

"The success of this trial provides valuable data to inform future advocacy and policy efforts. Our hope is that this initiative serves as both a model and a catalyst for other communities, encouraging the wider adoption of reusable alternatives.”

The insights gathered from the Budu Fothi trial will be used to advocate for policy recommendations, further community outreach, and educational campaigns to promote sustainable diapering solutions across the Maldives.