Initiatives to support Dhivehi authors and promote children’s films

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced new initiatives to support Dhivehi authors and promote children’s films centered on Maldivian language, culture, history and heritage, beginning next year.

The announcement was made on Monday evening at an award ceremony held at Salahuddin School to honour winners of the National Literary Competitions. First Lady Sajidha Mohamed also attended the event.

Describing Dhivehi as a core pillar of Maldivian identity, President Muizzu emphasized the importance of producing high-quality children’s books to ensure the language is passed on meaningfully and securely to future generations.

He noted that many aspiring and established writers wish to write children’s literature but face significant challenges in publishing their work. Calling this a national concern, the President said the issue could not be ignored and pledged government support to address it through special arrangements for the publication of books by Dhivehi authors.

The President said literature is a vital component of a nation’s heritage, adding that strong writing and speaking skills are fundamental to national development. He stressed the government’s intention to bring about a positive transformation in literary ethics and culture.

Referring to the use of modern technology in teaching global languages, President Muizzu acknowledged public concerns over the limited availability of locally produced cartoons and films depicting national stories for children. In response, he announced that a national competition would be launched next year to produce children’s short films focusing on language, culture, history and heritage, with substantial prizes offered to encourage participation.

He also noted that the Dhivehi Thaana Handwriting Competition has not previously been conducted as a National Handwriting Competition for the President’s Prize. As such, he announced that the competition will be formally organized at the national level starting next year.

Concluding his remarks, the President commended participants for their talent and encouraged them to continue contributing their literary skills to the development of the nation.

President Muizzu presented awards to first-place winners of this year’s National Literary Competitions, while First Lady Sajidha presented prizes to second-place winners.

This marks the first time the award ceremony, organised by the Dhivehi Language Academy, has been held at the national level. Cabinet ministers and senior officials of the Academy were also in attendance.