- MindChamps International Preschool has opened a new branch in the Maldives, marking a significant step in the country’s early childhood education sector.
- The preschool, designed to accommodate up to 700 students, focuses on a holistic education model, with a state-of-the-art gymnasium, open playgrounds, and a strong emphasis on physical development.
- The school’s curriculum blends the best of Singapore’s education system with local culture, offering courses in Dhivehi, Arabic, and English, and focusing on Islamic Studies alongside academic learning.
A new branch of Singapore's renowned MindChamps International Preschool has opened today in the Maldives, marking a significant milestone in the country’s early childhood education sector. The preschool, located at Ma. Athamaa Villa on Rahdhebai Magu, has begun operations with 67 students currently enrolled, and the enrollment process is ongoing.
Dr. Amathulla Shakeeb, the school's principal, expressed her excitement about the launch, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome our first batch of students, and we are looking forward to expanding the school as we continue our mission of providing a holistic education for the children of Maldives".
The MindChamps preschool has been designed specifically to cater to early childhood education, with a capacity to accommodate up to 700 students. The school’s infrastructure includes a four-story building, with classrooms spread across the first three floors, while the fourth floor features a state-of-the-art gymnasium designed to promote the physical well-being of the students. The ground floor houses a hall and a playground, providing ample space for students to engage in physical activities. The third floor also includes an open playground.
Dr. Amathulla, who has over 24 years of experience in the Maldivian education sector and holds a PhD in inclusivity from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering the growth, safety, and well-being of its learners. “Other private schools in Male’ lack the physical well-being component, but our school was specifically created with a well-rounded approach to education in mind”, she said. The school’s focus on physical development is exemplified by its NeuroMoves Gym, which aims to teach students motor skills, coordination, and fitness.
The curriculum at MindChamps International Preschool Maldives is customized to fit the needs of Maldivian students, blending the best of the Singaporean curriculum with a strong emphasis on local culture. The school offers courses in Dhivehi, Arabic, and English, and places a particular focus on Islamic Studies, aiming to teach the faith’s principles in an engaging and inspiring manner.
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"We are not just prioritizing reading and writing. We are teaching Arabic as a language, and students graduating from our school will be fluent in it", Dr. Amathulla said. She also emphasized that the school’s unique curriculum, including specialized courses in Dhivehi and Islamic Studies, sets it apart from other schools in the region. “The entire curriculum was designed to fit the Maldivian community”, she added.
The school operates with a small but dedicated team of 17 teachers, all of whom are Maldivian, except for the Arabic language instructor. The teachers have been specially trained in Singapore for their roles at MindChamps, ensuring that they are well-prepared to deliver the school’s high-quality educational standards. Dr. Amathulla, who also serves as the Managing Director of MindChamps International Preschool Maldives, believes in the importance of inclusive education and strives to make the preschool a nurturing and engaging space for all children.
With a clear focus on both academic and physical development, the school’s approach to early education is expected to make a lasting impact in the Maldives, shaping the future of its young learners. As Dr. Amathulla reflected, "This school is not just about academic learning. It’s about creating well-rounded individuals who are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for the world ahead". The MindChamps International Preschool is now actively accepting applications as it looks to expand its role in shaping the next generation of Maldivian students.
