First Lady Sajida Mohamed delivered a stirring address at the annual awards ceremony of Ahmadhiyya International School, emphasising the crucial need for every student in the country to embody local and Islamic identity and qualities.
Describing Ahmadhiyya as an "educational tree with a profound history," the First Lady lauded its role in bearing "sweet fruits" for the nation, evidenced by its students' consistent national achievements and proud results.
She underscored education as both a "great blessing and responsibility," encouraging students to embrace it as a "never-ending journey" and to remain true to themselves. Her address meticulously outlined the virtues she wished to see in every child, including honesty, respect for Islam, unwavering loyalty to the country, good character, diligence, and an open-minded Muslim outlook.
She asserted that these principles would not only secure "the happiness of both worlds" but also pave the way for "true freedom" and foster intelligent and modern day leaders who will serve as a shelter for humanity.
Further elaborating, the First Lady stressed that students who internalise these values will find honesty and loyalty becoming their most valuable asset.
She then turned to parents and teachers, urging them to contemplate the "real needs of education" and to actively shape students as "Muslim Maldivians." This crucial development, she concluded, necessitates consistent positive examples within both the home and wider society, ensuring that the next generation is not only academically proficient but also morally grounded and civically engaged in accordance with their Islamic heritage.
During the ceremony, Ahmadiyya School celebrated academic excellence and multifaceted achievements.
The ceremony honoured a remarkable 64 students who placed in the top 10 globally and nationally in various A/L subjects last year, alongside numerous other high achievers recognised for their accomplishments at international, national, and school levels.
Among the school's top performers, Aishath Insha Imran from Grade 10A was specially acknowledged as the overall best student across all categories, while dedicated teachers who played a pivotal role in these successes were also appreciated and rewarded.
Established in 1982 to provide essential educational opportunities for the students of Machchangoalhi ward in Male’, Ahmadiyya School has since become a beacon of learning. From its humble beginnings with approximately 200 students, the institution has burgeoned to educate over 2,700 students last academic year, providing a comprehensive education from pre-school to higher secondary levels.
In his address, Principal Mohamed Rasheed highlighted the school's unique journey, noting that among four the schools founded simultaneously, Ahmadiyya has uniquely distinguished itself through its steadfast progress over 43 years.
He urged students to view education as a lifelong pursuit beyond formal schooling, encouraging continuous knowledge acquisition, and called upon parents to actively foster their children's personality development.
The school’s legacy extends beyond academics, boasting a track record of success in various extracurricular activities both within Maldives and internationally.