Veteran Dhivehi teacher Moosa Ali passes away after nearly 50 years of public service

Veteran Dhivehi language teacher Moosa Ali, who dedicated nearly five decades of his life to public service and the advancement of Dhivehi language education, passed away on Saturday. His death was met with tributes from former students, colleagues and members of the education sector who remembered him as an exemplary educator and mentor.

Former Minister of Dhivehi Language, Culture and Heritage Adam Naseer Ibrahim paid tribute to Moosa Ali in a post on Facebook, describing him as a role model for both students and teachers.

“The late Moosa Ali was a great example for students and teachers. His manners were admirable. He was always calm and composed. He was a man of words and wisdom, and of integrity. He interacted with students in a calm and steady manner. He placed great importance on developing students' character according to the Islamic traditions of the Maldives,” Adam wrote.

Moosa Ali joined the civil service on June 17, 1958, at the age of 16. He began his career at Hameediyya Montessori School, now known as Iskandhar School, and later spent eight years teaching Maldivian students in neighbouring Sri Lanka.

He subsequently taught at Aminiya School before serving in the Airport Office and Communications Department. Moosa Ali later returned to Aminiya School, where he served for more than 28 years and spent two decades as Head of the school's Dhivehi Language Department.

In recognition of his contributions to education and public service, Moosa Ali received the Independence 25 Award, the Public Service Encouragement Award for Service to the Dhivehi Language, and the National Award for Public Service.

Over the course of his career, Moosa Ali served the state for 49 years and 10 months, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations of students and contributed significantly to the development and teaching of the Dhivehi language.