Youth Minister: Development affects national character

Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Maleeh Jamal has said that development in any country, affects its national character.

The minister made this remark at an event held at Kulliya on Thursday night, to mark the Maldives’ first Language Day.

He said that if students or youth become unfamiliar with the country’s mother tongue, the effects will be felt not only in the language, but also the country’s history and culture.

Dhivehi language cannot be allowed to die out, he said, as it is the only thing that makes Maldivians unique.

Highlighting the importance of children’s fluency in Dhivehi to ensure their understanding of culture and traditions, he said that it is sad that many parents today talk to their children in English or other languages.

An application, Folhuvaiy, was launched at the event, by President of Dhivehi Academy Ashraf Ali.

Addressing the attendees after launching the application, Ashraf said that a lot of work is being done to ensure that Dhivehi is passed on to future generations, and the future of Dhivehi looks bright.