Traditional Education Establishment
Author(s)
Title
Traditional Education Establishment
Alternative Title
Edhuruge' (އެދުރުގެ)
Publication Type
Language
div
Number of Pages
3
Location
Maldives
Keywords
Education
Tradition
Maldives
Culture
Schooling
Edhuruge'
Relevance to ICH Safeguarding
Description
Before the introduction of a westernized education system in the 20th century, the Maldvians had their independent education system. This education system took a holistic approach in teaching the subjects. Back then, education took place in Edhuruge’, often this is in the homes of the educator on the Bodu Ashi and Kuda Ashi or sometimes at designated place in the mosque like the gate.
The one who teaches in the Edhuruge’ is called Edhurube’ (if male) and Edhurudhaitha (if female). Sometimes they may request a commission. The author of the mentions that the couple who ran the Edhuruge’ she attended did it free of charge. They taught the Quran, religious studies, basic education and even life skills.
Even during the days that Edhuruge’ existed, there was the culture of peer tutoring within society. So, the older students that are done with the revision of their own studies will be tutoring the younger students in their lessons. Back then, the use of books to write in was uncommon. Instead, the students carried a wooden board named the Voshu Filaa to write and practice their letters.
Once the lesson is complete, the Voshu Filaa is cleaned with clay taken from the beach. This clay is grinded and put into a mould of coconut shell before leaving it in the sun. When this dries the Voshu Filaa is washed, and the dried clay is rubbed on it. Before this clay is washed, the students will trace letters with the coconut leaf eekel. This is to revise the lesson one last time before washing it off. The author also mentions that they drink the water with the clay residue that flows down the Voshu Filaa.
Though the concept of Edhuruge’ may not exist as it did in the past, this system, deeply rooted in the Maldivian way of life, reflects an era where education was not only a pursuit of knowledge but a means to instill values, self-reliance, and interconnectedness. Its legacy continues to shape the Maldivian identity, offering a glimpse into a time when education was a collective, meaningful endeavor deeply intertwined with the community and environment.
The one who teaches in the Edhuruge’ is called Edhurube’ (if male) and Edhurudhaitha (if female). Sometimes they may request a commission. The author of the mentions that the couple who ran the Edhuruge’ she attended did it free of charge. They taught the Quran, religious studies, basic education and even life skills.
Even during the days that Edhuruge’ existed, there was the culture of peer tutoring within society. So, the older students that are done with the revision of their own studies will be tutoring the younger students in their lessons. Back then, the use of books to write in was uncommon. Instead, the students carried a wooden board named the Voshu Filaa to write and practice their letters.
Once the lesson is complete, the Voshu Filaa is cleaned with clay taken from the beach. This clay is grinded and put into a mould of coconut shell before leaving it in the sun. When this dries the Voshu Filaa is washed, and the dried clay is rubbed on it. Before this clay is washed, the students will trace letters with the coconut leaf eekel. This is to revise the lesson one last time before washing it off. The author also mentions that they drink the water with the clay residue that flows down the Voshu Filaa.
Though the concept of Edhuruge’ may not exist as it did in the past, this system, deeply rooted in the Maldivian way of life, reflects an era where education was not only a pursuit of knowledge but a means to instill values, self-reliance, and interconnectedness. Its legacy continues to shape the Maldivian identity, offering a glimpse into a time when education was a collective, meaningful endeavor deeply intertwined with the community and environment.
Book/Journal Title
Publisher
Dhivehi Bahaai Thaareekhah Khidhumai kuraa Qaumee Marukazu
Place of Publication
Male', Maldives
Date of Publication
Jul 2006
Issue
328
Pages
40-42
Academic Field
Cultural studies
Social practice
Community/Ethnic Group
Maldivian
Contributor
Active Contribution
Maldives, FY 2024