National Early Learning Programme Launched to Boost Dhivehi Literacy

The Minister of Education, Dr Ismail Shafeeu, has officially launched the National Early Learning Programme, highlighting the urgent need for quality linguistic resources designed for infants and young learners. 

The initiative aims to address declining proficiency in the Dhivehi language among children and strengthen foundational literacy in the national language.

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The Launching of Nationwide Early Learning Program in the Maldives.

Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, together with the program partners, marked the official launch of this initiative today. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/qlnxuaxlKC— Ministry of Education (@MoEdumv) December 11, 2025

At the launch, Dr Shafeeu emphasised growing concerns over the erosion of children’s speaking and reading skills in Dhivehi. He noted that little has been invested in improving the quality of the language for young learners, citing a shortage of age-appropriate books, educational films, and audiobooks.

The minister stressed that early childhood, particularly primary school age, is a critical period for language development, yet the market remains severely understocked with suitable materials. He called on Maldivian writers, artists, and local businesses to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to produce high-quality Dhivehi content, underlining its importance for both education and cultural preservation.

As part of the programme, 15 new Dhivehi-language children’s books have been produced, digitised, and distributed to all primary schools across the country, marking a significant step towards promoting literacy in the mother tongue.