Australia Donates Over 100,000 Books to Schools and Libraries in the Maldives

The Australian High Commission has donated over 100,000 books to more than two dozen schools and community libraries across the Maldives as part of a public diplomacy initiative.

Speaking to PSM News, the High Commission confirmed that the donation included resources for both primary and secondary teachers, fiction and non-fiction books for all age groups, reference materials, and stationery items. These resources have been distributed to 29 schools and libraries across 15 of the Maldives’ atolls.

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This initiative has been facilitated through the support of multiple donors, including the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington in Melbourne, Fantasy Private Limited, Sepia International, Centurion Transport, and The Reading Room.

The Reading Room, an NGO co-founded and managed by Australian alumna Asima Abdul Gadir, played a pivotal role in sorting and distributing the books to the intended recipients. The organisation liaised with schools and libraries to identify their needs, vetting each book to ensure its appropriateness for the relevant age groups and institutions.

Over a period of three weeks, Asima and a group of dedicated volunteers worked to sort the materials, and in collaboration with local schools, logistics were coordinated to ensure the smooth distribution of the books. Many schools arranged transportation with the assistance of boats, some of which offered their services free of charge.

David Jessup, Australian High Commissioner to the Maldives, highlighted the significance of the donation: “The Australian Government’s assistance to Maldives in the education sector forms the bedrock of our bilateral relationship. This initiative will provide much-needed reading and teaching materials to schools and libraries most in need of such material.”

This recent donation builds upon earlier efforts by the Australian High Commission. In April this year, it hosted a community event that secured over 500 additional books, which were subsequently donated to Kulhudhuffushi Public Library and Thaa Guraidhoo School.