First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has said strengthening mathematics education is not only an educational goal, but an investment in the Maldives’ future prosperity, resilience, and progress.

The First Lady made the remarks at the launch of Mathematical Thinking in the Maldives: Ethnomathematics, Cultural Heritage, and Curriculum Integration, written by Maldives National University (MNU) Vice Chancellor Dr Aishath Shehenaz Adam. The book was launched at a special ceremony held at MNU’s auditorium.

Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady said mathematics should not be viewed only as a subject taught in classrooms and textbooks, but as an important field connected to practical aspects of everyday life. She noted that mathematical thinking has long been embedded in Maldivian culture and daily practices.

The First Lady said the book is an important contribution to the Maldives’ educational and cultural heritage, as it explores the links between Maldivian culture, mathematics, and curriculum integration.

She said the work helps preserve knowledge, document traditions, and create new pathways for learning. She added that such work requires not only academic expertise, but also patience, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the history and traditions of Maldivians.

The First Lady said mathematics is important for decision-making, creative thinking, and problem-solving, and also forms the foundation for fields such as science, technology, and finance. She noted that many students in the Maldives, as in other countries, often view mathematics as a difficult subject, and said this perception must change.

“Strengthening mathematics education is not merely an educational goal. It is an investment in the Maldives’ future prosperity, resilience, and progress,” she said.

The book’s author, Dr Shehenaz, said the publication was prepared after extensive research into the links between mathematics and everyday life in the Maldives. She said information for the book was gathered through visits to islands, as well as interviews with historians and people with experience in language and cultural knowledge.

Dr Shehenaz said the book also explores how different civilisations influenced the development of mathematical thinking in the Maldives. She said connecting mathematics with everyday life and culture can make learning more meaningful and engaging for students.

The publication examines the use of mathematics in Maldivian practices such as fishing, navigation, boatbuilding, weaving, and agriculture.