Members of the U.S. Embassy today donated a library of English-language books to the Thinadoo Primary School in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives. Over 500 students, their families, educators and community members attended the ceremony to welcome this initiative.
“The United States supports expanding educational opportunities around the world,” said Young Hwan Joo of the U.S. Embassy to the students at the school. “We hope that one day all of you will take your first steps to not only become future exchange students in the United States, but also leaders of your community and your country.”
Thinadoo Primary School received a total of 750 educational books at a cost of $10,000. The books range from early to more advanced stories to text books and teaching aids. They will be used in classes, but also taken home for reading assignments and personal enjoyment.
The Ministry of Education, led by Dr. Aishath Shiham, has been instrumental in developing and supporting this program.
“Thank you very much for your support to our school,” said Principal Ajeeb Mohammed. “Our students, teachers and staff are delighted with your visit and we all believe that it will be a great milestone for our school.”
This is the second in a series of twelve book drops planned for islands in the outer atolls of the Maldives. The first took place in March 2014 at Fuvamullah Island in the Gniyaviyani Atoll. These donations address critical educational needs in remote areas where the delivery of books has been difficult.
In addition to the U.S. Embassy and the Ministry of Education, this program is supported by the American people through funding from the Spirit of America and the Asia Foundation groups, who share the goals ofdeveloping a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region.
U.S. Embassy Supports Education In Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
