The Dhivehi Language Academy hosted a vibrant Children’s Evening in Hulhumalé as part of this year’s Dhivehi Language Day celebrations, drawing enthusiastic participation from families, educators, and young learners.
Held at the Ruhgandu area on April 14, the event featured a range of engaging activities aimed at nurturing a love for the national language among children. Pre-schools from Malé, including Dhondhooni Little Learners, Maafannu Madharusaa, Falah Pre-School, and Excel International School, took part in the festivities, which were supported by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC).
Children took center stage in games and creative showcases centered around the Dhivehi language. From storytelling sessions to live poetry performances, the event offered hands-on opportunities to connect with the language in a joyful and interactive environment. Participants were rewarded with small gifts as they explored various activity stalls.
Shahma Ali, Director at the Dhivehi Language Academy, told PSM News that the aim was to foster early appreciation for Dhivehi through meaningful exposure. “We created a space where children could read Dhivehi stories, perform poetry, and engage with the language in a playful, memorable way,” she said.
A highlight of the evening was the book exhibition set up at the Academy’s own stall, where attendees could browse and purchase storybooks and educational materials in Dhivehi. The exhibition aimed to encourage reading habits and strengthen literacy skills among young learners.
Children who attended the event shared their excitement, noting that the mix of language-themed games and sports made the evening both fun and educational. Many expressed that the experience sparked a deeper interest in learning and using the Dhivehi language.
The Children’s Evening concluded with a strong message of cultural pride, underscoring the importance of preserving and promoting Dhivehi among future generations through creativity and community participation.
