Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has requested language be prioritized in literary competitions held in southern islands.

The minister requested this during the closing ceremony of the speaking competition and debate competition held for schools and institutions in Huvadhoo and Fuvahmulah, an initiative by the Maldives National University's Student Union (MNUSU).

While attending the closing ceremony on Monday as an honored guest, the minister shed light on the importance of promoting the Maldivian language, Dhivehi.

Minister Shafeeu said that there should be an increase to documents written in the Addu, Huvadhoo and Fuvahmulah dialects, and that it is a part of protecting Maldives' customs, traditions and heritage.

He went on to say that there should be teachers who can converse in the dialects and that it is important for institutions to have that ideology. 

The speaking competition held in memory of Addu Bodufandiyaaru Thakurufaanu, and the debate competition held in memory of Al-Sheikh Hussain Sharafudheen, both of which were held by MNU, are competitions held for the growth of speaking amongst southern students and debate skills.

The Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage, the Dhivehi Language Academy, the Addu City Council and the Society of Sharia and Law collaborated to hold this year's competitions.