The Professional Development Workshop on Library and Information Services (PDWL) and Faculty Development Programme (FDP) 2026 Fundraising Movie Day brought together children, families and members of the wider community for an affordable and inclusive recreational experience. The initiative featured two community movie screenings, one in the afternoon and another in the evening, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with the university through a shared cultural and recreational activity.

The event was organised collaboratively by Bachelor of Arts in Library and Information Management (BA-LIM) students, alumni, and the Maldives Library Association as part of fundraising efforts to support professional development opportunities. The initiative aimed to contribute to the development of the Library and Information Science sector by generating resources for participation in professional learning and capacity-building programmes.

In addition to its fundraising purpose, the event provided students, alumni and professionals with a practical opportunity to strengthen their leadership, event management, teamwork and collaborative skills. Through planning and delivering a community-focused activity, participants gained practical experience in organising an event, working with different stakeholders and engaging with members of the wider community.

The initiative also strengthened connections between the university, students, alumni, professional organisations and the community. By creating an accessible opportunity for people to participate in a shared activity while contributing to professional development, the event demonstrated how community-based initiatives can support both learning and professional capacity building.

Through its focus on professional development, community participation and collaborative action, the initiative contributed to quality education and skills development, while supporting opportunities for professional growth and strengthening partnerships within the Library and Information Science sector.

The initiative aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities, 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, and 17: Partnerships for the Goals.