A national competition on children’s films showcasing Dhivehi language, Maldivian culture, and national history will be introduced next year, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced.

The President made the announcement while addressing the award ceremony of the Dhivehi Bahuge Academy’s national literary competition. Speaking at the ceremony, he said it is important to modernise the teaching of the Dhivehi language, culture, and history, noting that other languages are increasingly taught using technology.

He stated that there is a lack of Maldivian cartoons, historical films, and games for children, and announced that a national competition for children’s films in Dhivehi will be introduced next year, with large prizes.

The President said Maldivians are defined by the Dhivehi language and stressed the importance of protecting it from one generation to the next. He noted that the lack of Dhivehi storybooks for children remains a national issue, adding that the high cost of publishing prevents many people from producing storybooks for children, youth, and others.

Describing this as a national problem, the President said it would not be ignored and announced that the Government will introduce special pathways for publishing books in the Dhivehi language.

President Dr Muizzu also said literature is central to national heritage and emphasised that writing and speaking are fundamental skills needed to develop a nation. He added that literature supports culture and heritage, and contributes to deeper thinking, creativity, and good manners, which in turn foster discipline, peace, development, and security.

The President also highlighted efforts made by the Government to strengthen national heritage, including the establishment of a separate ministry, the creation of the National Institute for Maldivian Heritage Research, and the formation of Dhivehi Gaumiyyathuge Isvaru, a council dedicated to nationalism. He further noted efforts to bring the National Museum, Dhivehi Bahuge Academy, the ministry, and other related institutions under a single framework to develop national heritage as a separate sector.

The President also noted that the handwriting competition was introduced as part of the national literary competition this year, and announced that it will be held at the national level starting next year, stating that it is a matter of pride that Dhivehi has its own script.