ARC and Alia Investments Open ‘Reading Retreat’ Library at S’alaah’udhdheen School

Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) in partnership with Alia Investments officially opened the ‘Reading Retreat’ library at S’alaah’udhdheen School today.

According to ARC, the new library can accommodate up to 150 students at the same time and has been designed as a multi-purpose learning environment that goes beyond a traditional library setting. The organisation stated that the space aims to help children immerse themselves in new worlds, expand their imagination, and discover the joy of reading and learning.

The ‘Reading Retreat’ includes several dedicated spaces designed to support a wide range of educational and creative activities.

Advocating the Rights of Children stated that the ‘Dialogue Den’ serves as a collaborative discussion space where students can work together on school projects and interactive learning activities. Equipped with a television, the area encourages teamwork, communication, and presentation skills in an engaging environment.

The ‘Calm Cove’ provides a quiet nook for independent study, reading, and focused learning, helping students improve concentration.

According to ARC, the ‘Learning Loft’ is a soundproof multi-purpose learning space capable of accommodating an entire class. The room has been designed for book reading sessions, storytelling, poetry recitals, drama activities, skits, and other expressive learning experiences aimed at building creativity, confidence, and communication skills among students.

The ‘Staff Studio’ offers teachers a dedicated workspace to prepare lessons and complete administrative tasks. The area also includes a kitchenette where staff can take short breaks.

According to the organisation, the ‘Reading Retreat’ represents an investment in children’s future by helping them develop essential skills beyond the classroom, including creativity, critical thinking, communication, and a lifelong love of reading and learning.

ARC states that the project also serves as a model for innovative school libraries by integrating spaces that support both independent and collaborative activities, demonstrating how modern learning environments can be replicated in schools across the Maldives.

The Organisation extended its appreciation to Alia Investments, the principal donor of the project, for supporting the establishment of the ‘Reading Retreat.’ The organisation also thanked donors who contributed books and materials, the design team that developed the space, and the management of S’alaah’udhdheen School for their partnership and collaboration throughout the initiative.