Starting next month, school sessions will begin with the national anthem, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu said on Tuesday.
Noting that instilling and reviving patriotism was a pledge, the President said the decision to start the school day with the national anthem was made to foster a love of nation among students. Ensuring that children grow to love the national anthem and flag is a goal, he added.
"Schools will start with the singing of the national anthem. When schools reopen in January after closing in December, school sessions will begin with the national anthem," the President said.
At present, school sessions begin with the recitation of the Quran. School songs or the national anthem are played during assemblies held once a week.
Reviving patriotism was a campaign pledge of President Muizzu, who also spoke about it during his inaugural address.
"I tell you with utmost certainty, we are starting a journey to correct the course of the Maldivian community towards its true harbor. This is the hard work of bequeathing Maldivian national identity to future generations. I believe this is a right that every Maldivian child and youth should have," the President said on November 17.
