News Desk
MALE’ — The first phase of a comprehensive early childhood curriculum built on Islamic educational principles has been launched in the Maldives, marking what its architects describe as the country’s first foundation-level learning programme designed from the ground up around an Islamic framework.
The project, called Kokkomenge Bookset, was unveiled by Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, the Minister of Islamic Affairs and Waqf, who has served as its chief custodian since the initiative began in 2021. The complete series will comprise 65 books spanning four stages: Baby Nursery, Nursery, Lower Kindergarten and Upper Kindergarten. The first phase releases 16 books for the Baby Nursery level. The remaining 49 books have been fully written and are in the final stages of publication.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Shaheem said the curriculum covers all core subjects required under the National Curriculum alongside dedicated modules on Islamic etiquette, morals and the Arabic language. The aim, he said, is to give young children a learning environment that integrates formal academic development with Islamic values and traditional upbringing during what he described as their most formative years.
The series was developed under Dr Shaheem’s direct supervision, with primary authorship and compilation led by Mariyam Shazna, a former curriculum developer at the National Institute of Education. Quranic studies content was developed by Abida Miss, Arabic language materials for the Baby Nursery level were authored by Neena Miss, and visual design and illustration were handled by Khadheeja Abdul Ghafoor. The materials were reviewed by Usthaz Imthithau Abbas, Usthaz Mohamed Firazul and Shifayath Ali before finalisation.
The 11-book core structure covers 16 foundational learning subjects, framing literacy, numeracy and cognitive development through age-appropriate activities anchored in Islamic values. The series is designed to function both as a classroom resource for pre-schools and as a structured guide for home learning, intended to bridge formal early education with domestic care.
The project acknowledged Sheikh Mohamed Latheef for foundational support, Ali Ahsan, CEO of Madina Investments, for administrative coordination and Ali Ashfaq, co-founder of IOCC, for structural assistance. Initial funding came from private sources. Organisers said they are now seeking financial partners to support the publication of the remaining 49 volumes.
