Ahmed Manik, a longtime teacher considered an institution at the English Preparatory and Secondary School (EPS), died on Thursday, leaving the school’s alumni mourning his loss.
Ahmed Manik, better known as Ha’thi Ahmed Manik, was 81 years old at the time of his death. He was buried at the Aa Sahara Cemetery in Male’ City after the noon prayer.
The EPS was a school established in Male’ in 1968, to primarily educate students who come to the capital from islands in the atolls.
Ahmed Manik spent decades teaching Dhivehi language to hundreds of students at the school, becoming an institution within a school that is steeped deep in history.
Many remember him as a teacher who went well beyond the textbook, teaching his students discipline and responsibility, leaving a lasting impression well into their adult life.
One of his students, Ibrahim Wajeeh, took to Facebook to express his sadness at Ahmed Manik’s death.
He remembers Ahmed Manik as a kind and compassionate teacher who always gave sound advice.
Ha’thi Ahmed Manik, 81.
Another one of his students, leading environmentalist and writer, Mohamed ‘Meemu Zaviyani’ Zahir, remembers how actively involved his mentor used to be in the school’s extracurricular activities, helping his students, especially in preparing for Dhivehi language competitions.
He remembers Ahmed Manik as a gentle teacher who got along well with his students.
Zahir, who later worked with his former teacher at EPS, also recalls how Ahmed Manik’s attention towards punctuality.
He was always on time, for anything and everything.
“Ha’thi Ahmed Manik had a very unique virtue. If he says he is going to be somewhere at a specific time, then he is going to be there when that time comes. He will be there on time. And he taught his students to be punctual,” recalled Zahir.
Zahir added that anything EPS conducted, Ahmed Manik is sure to have a hand in.
This country has lost a priceless teacher who served the education sector with dedication and built capable young men and women, he said.