Minister of Education, Higher Educationa nd Skills Development Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said it is important to teach students how to use modern resources in the most effective and beneficial ways.
The minister made the remarks while delivering a speech as the chief guest at a special ceremony held in Hithadhoo, Addu City to mark the 75th anniversary of Hithadhoo School.
Speaking at the ceremony, Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu said the true purpose of education is to teach students how to make the best and most beneficial use of modern resources in a rapidly changing world.
The minister said the most valuable achievement a school can attain is producing students who are useful to and valued by society. He added that raising children to be compassionate people who care about others while living in society is a major responsibility shared by the entire community. He also stressed that education should be provided in a way that familiarises students with such values.
“You must understand that receiving an education is not simply about achieving good results in an examination. The true purpose of education is to move forward as a knowledgeable and responsible individual who has confidence in themselves and understands the feelings of others. Therefore, I repeatedly urge you, students, to develop the habit of loving your teachers, parents, island leaders and fellow citizens,” the minister said.
Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu said Hithadhoo School is not merely a school that has stood the test of time, but an institution that has continued to progress without interruption. Referring to the achievements of the school's former students, the minister said many of its alumni have gone on to become heroes who have made valuable contributions to the country and who continue to serve the nation today.
Highlighting the work being carried out to further develop Hithadhoo School, the minister said the success visible today is the result of the hard work of people from different generations. He added that the projects planned for the school's infrastructure development have now been fully formulated, and that practical work on those projects will begin very soon.
Hithadhoo School officially began providing education on 17 April 1951. Having operated under different names over the years, the school initially provided education to just over 200 students, with teachers brought in from different parts of the country. However, the school has continued to develop and today Hithadhoo School is an institution producing many outstanding students.