Religious Conflict Behind Maldives' Natural Beauty
The Maldives, renowned for its attractive
coral islands and often considered a dream travel destination, conceals
religious conflicts beneath its serene surface. Despite its natural beauty, the
nation has faced religious tensions, exemplified by the 2017 murder of a
blogger criticizing Islamic fundamentalism. With over 99.9% of the population
adhering to Sunni Islam, Maldives' constitution establishes Islam as the state
religion, and non-Muslims are barred from citizenship.
While tourists might not perceive these
religious conflicts during their visits, the local reality paints a different
picture. The nation grapples with issues like a 15-year-old girl facing
persistent sexual assault from her stepfather, and international condemnation
has arisen. Like any country, the Maldives, too, is in desperate need of love,
forgiveness, and tolerance, making 'peace' an essential element for progress.
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| Image from HWPL Pixabay |
Enthusiastic Maldives Educators and their
Efforts for Peace Education
In the pursuit of instilling peace values
among Maldivian students, local educators have joined hands with Heavenly
Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) under the leadership of
Chairman Man Hee Lee. One such passionate advocate for peace education is
Mariyam Raiza, a youth program coordinator from the Maldives Scout Association.
Raiza, having participated in the HWPL Peace Educator training in February 2023,
became an official HWPL Peace Educator. She subsequently shared her knowledge
with local teachers at the Mianz International School, where she actively
promoted the ideals of HWPL and peace education.
Image from HWPL Homepage
Aims and Goals of Peace Educators in Maldives
Abdul Momin, the founder of a school in the
Uthuraa region of Dhaka, Maldives, dedicated to improving education in the
region, is another committed advocate for HWPL's peace education. Momin
believes in fostering not only technical and academic skills but also nurturing
students into individuals with strong ethical values, promoting peace
competence. Collaborating with HWPL, Momin implemented peace education in June
and July of 2022 through the collaboration with HWPL. With the purpose of acknowledge preciousness
and the possibility of realizing the dream of ‘peace’ to students and teachers,
school showed a documentary titled 'Great Heritage.’ This is a documentary depicting
the resolution of the conflict and the establishment of peace in Mindanao,
Philippines through the mediation of Chairman Man Hee Lee.
Image from HWPL Homepage
Future Plans for Maldives Peace Education
The commitment of Maldivian educators like Mariyam Raiza extends beyond their participation in the HWPL Peace Educator program. Raiza aims to encourage more teachers at Mianz International School to join the program and plans to deliver peace education to a minimum of 100 students at Mianz International University. Her colleague, Amine Tsushima, a teacher at Ami Niyaz School who underwent the HWPL Peace Educator training, expressed her learning experience, emphasizing the importance of spreading love, curbing hatred and greed, and creating a culture of respect and kindness.
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| Image from HWPL Homepage |
The efforts of Maldivian educators in
collaboration with HWPL reflect a sincere commitment to instilling peace values
among Maldivian students. Through peace education, they aspire to create a
harmonious society that transcends religious, cultural, and individual
differences. As they inspire the next generation to embrace peace, their
dedication will carry out the hope for a more peaceful future in the Maldives.
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| Image from HWPL Homepage |
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