Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said changes will be made to the nationalism subject taught under the social sciences curriculum from next year.

He was responding to a question from a teacher during the “Ahaa” forum, broadcast by state media PSM, about efforts to improve the teaching of the subject.

Minister Shafeeu said the subject had initially been introduced in Key Stages 1 and 2 and had since been extended to Key Stage 3. Feedback from its introduction would inform changes planned for next year, he said.

The minister also referred to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s remarks at the opening of this year’s parliament session, in which he highlighted the importance of introducing a foundation programme focused on traditions and values inherited from previous generations.

“Over the next two years, we will seek to incorporate the history of our ancestors, important aspects of our national heritage, and the values and conduct passed down through generations into the nationalism subject,” Shafeeu said.

Nationalism was introduced as a separate subject in the 2024 academic year.

Its key themes include respect for Maldivian history, culture, national heroes, the Dhivehi language and national symbols.