First Lady: Education is both a great blessing, and huge responsibility

The opportunity to receive an education is a great blessing, but it also carries huge responsibility, says First Lady Sajidha Mohamed.

She made the remark during her address at the Ahmadhiyya International School’s Prize Awarding Ceremony for secondary students on Saturday morning.

In her address, Sajidha described Ahmadhiyya as a key educational institution with a distinguished history and many proud achievements that has nurtured generations of responsible students.

She said that Ahmadhiyya has grown from its humble beginnings into an institution renowned for academic excellence in service to the nation, highlighting on the importance of community bonds, parental unity, and goodwill in sustaining the school from its inception to the present day.

Sajidha said that she experienced Ahmadhiyya’s high academic standards firsthand during her student years, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the school’s principal and staff for extending the opportunity to attend and celebrate the occasion.

Emphasizing that the opportunity to receive an education is a great blessing, Sajidha reminded students that it also carries immense responsibility.

She stressed that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey and urged them to embrace it fully.

She encouraged students to develop into Muslims proud of their nation, who uphold good morals, work diligently, and remain open to the world. She underscored that by living with dignity and honor, and by combining knowledge with sound values and thoughtful action, students can harness their learning as a force for humanity.

Addressing parents and teachers, Sajidha urged them to instill in students the values of being responsible Maldivians of faith.

She said that this is best achieved through examples set at home and reinforced by exemplary practices within the school, urging both parents and teachers to work closely in shaping young minds and character.

During the ceremony, Saajidha presented awards to teachers who received the ‘Brilliance Teacher’ and ‘Best Overall Teacher’ titles. She also presented awards to the student who secured first place nationally in the 2023/2024 Cambridge O-Level examinations, three students who attained top positions globally, and three students who were recognized as ‘Best All-Round’ students.

Following the ceremony, she toured the school’s commemorative gallery.