- Aligned with national priorities in nurturing foundational reading habits and revitalizing Dhivehi language.
Male, Maldives, December 11, 2025 — Boeing (NYSE: BA) today announced the launch of a nationwide early learning program in the Maldives, implemented in partnership with global education nonprofit Room to Read, a Boeing Global Engagement (BGE) partner, marking a milestone in the nation’s efforts to strengthen primary education and revive the use of the Dhivehi language among young learners.
Supported by funding from The Boeing Company, the program will introduce 15 children’s book titles adapted into Dhivehi, developed in collaboration with Room to Read, the National Institute of Education (NIE), and the Ministry of Education (MoE). These titles will be printed, digitized, and distributed across primary schools nationwide, supporting the Government of Maldives’ priority to strengthen local-language reading and early-grade learning.
At the inaugural ceremony held in Male, Dr. Ismail Shafeeu, the education minister of Maldives said, “Building a strong reading culture is essential to our national education strategy. These book adaptations in Dhivehi, funded by Boeing and implemented by Room to Read, will bring high-quality literature and engaging learning spaces directly to our students. This strengthens early-grade reading and supports our broader goal of improving learning outcomes across the Maldives.”
Mr. Hugo Yue-Ho Yon, U.S. Ambassador to the Maldives, said, “The Government of Maldives continues to make strong investments in primary education, expanding efforts to promote foundational learning. We applaud and support the Boeing-funded nationwide early learning program.”
In addition to the development of Dhivehi-language children’s books targeted for students from grade 1–5, the program will include teacher training and parental engagement workshops aimed at building an ecosystem that nurtures reading and early learning in Dhivehi.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Hon’ble President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu for their leadership and support in strengthening foundational learning in Dhivehi among children of the Maldives. Boeing is honored to collaborate with the Government of Maldives on a program that enriches early learning, and we look forward to deepening our engagement with the country,” said Mr. Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India & South Asia. “At Boeing, we continue to invest in education ecosystems globally, enabling children to build strong foundational reading skills and lifelong learning habits,” he added.
Dr. Geetha Murali, CEO, Room to Read said, “Through this education initiative with Boeing in the Maldives, we are working to expand equitable learning opportunities for all children. By engaging every government primary school, the partnership supports efforts to build an inclusive and resilient education system equipped for the future.”
The partnership between Boeing and Room to Read began in 2015 and has since expanded across several countries to strengthen early-grade reading and learning environments across schools. Together, the two organizations have collaborated on developing local-language children’s books, enhancing library spaces, and supporting structured literacy programs for young learners.
The Maldives initiative marks the next chapter in this growing collaboration, extending its impact to new communities and supporting national efforts to promote local-language learning.
About Boeing
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.