Aminath Hassan, known as “Ainthu Miss,” a veteran educator who dedicated more than three decades to the Maldivian education sector, has passed away.

She passed away on Thursday morning while undergoing treatment for cancer.

Ainthu Miss spent over 30 years serving in the education sector, with most of her career at Aminiya School as a Dhivehi language teacher. She was known for her lifelong commitment to teaching Dhivehi and played a key role in nurturing generations of students. She also served at Majeedhiyya School and has held responsibilities as a leading teacher.

She was a graduate of the first batch of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Dhivehi, and her professional life was closely tied to the preservation of the Dhivehi language.

Throughout her career, Ainthu Miss made extensive efforts to nurture the national language and inspired hundreds of students to take part in school debate and oratory competitions. Well-versed in Dhivehi history, she dedicated much of her life to helping students understand, respect and appreciate the Maldives’ language, heritage, and national identity.

Beyond her work in education, Ainthu Miss contributed to public service through her roles as a member of the Asset Recovery Commission and the Maldives Media Council. She was also involved in national civic life and contested the Maafannu Central constituency as an independent candidate in the most recent parliamentary elections.

Ainthu Miss also played a prominent role in advocating for teachers’ rights. She was instrumental in the establishment of a teachers’ association in the Maldives and led a teachers’ strike in 2008, calling for improved salaries and better working conditions.

Her passing marks the loss of a respected educator and public figure whose contributions to education, the national language, and civic engagement left a lasting impact.