In a pioneering initiative, LLB students from the Faculty of Shariah and Law (FSL), ³Ô¹ÏÍø successfully conducted the first-ever Street Law sessions in the Maldives at Villa International High School (VIHS). This ground-breaking event marks a significant step in community legal education and youth engagement.
The sessions provided a unique platform for our law students to engage, educate, and empower high school learners, while simultaneously enhancing their own understanding and practical communication skills. We extend our sincere appreciation to Villa International High School for graciously accommodating this initiative and supporting its successful delivery.
Over four vibrant 30-minute sessions, students explored the following critical and contemporary themes: Traffic Rules and Juvenile Responsibility, Cyberbullying and Online Harassment, Freedom of Speech vs Hate Speech and Social Media: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Law.
With a strong grounding in legal principles, the student teams delivered these sessions through role plays, real-life scenarios, interactive discussions, and quizzes, making the learning experience engaging, relatable, and impactful. Their ability to simplify complex legal issues and connect them to the daily lives of school students was commendable.
The enthusiastic participation of VIHS students further enriched the programme, reflecting a genuine interest in understanding their rights and responsibilities in a rapidly evolving digital and civic environment.
In line with the supervision policy standard of Street Law Inc., USA, the sessions were conducted under the training and supervision of Senior Lecturer and law practitioner Amish Abdullah, who heads the Street Law Inc. Club at FSL. ³Ô¹ÏÍø remains the only institution in the Maldives officially affiliated with Street Law Inc.
By bringing the law into classrooms in an accessible and student-led format, this initiative set a new benchmark for legal outreach and practical education in the Maldives.
Session 1: Traffic Rules and Juvenile Responsibility
The team comprising student lawyers Shamhaan, Hishaam, Shaaima, Miska and Nishya began with a clear, legally grounded explanation of traffic laws applicable to minors, highlighting underage driving, licensing requirements, helmet and seat belt laws, and penalties under the Road Traffic Act. To drive the message home, they conducted a role play of a police traffic stop involving an underage rider without a license or helmet. The mock interaction included an officer, a parent, and the minor, illustrating the legal and parental consequences in a relatable way.
The session was energetic from the start. Students laughed and nodded during the role play and followed up with pointed questions about how such laws are enforced in the Maldives. The quiz that followed saw high participation, with students correctly identifying minimum age requirements and penalties. The session sparked an honest conversation about the social acceptability of underage riding and the need for legal awareness.
Session 2: Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
This sensitive topic was handled with professionalism and maturity. The team comprising student lawyers from our LLB batch Hichael Ali Musthafa, Abdullah Rayyan, Mohamed Sadhaan Shujau, Fathmath Mishal Asimn and Aminath Raya Ahmed began by defining cyberbullying, legal remedies under the Maldivian legal framework and the psychological impact on victims. The highlight was a pre-shot skit role play based on cyberbullying through social media, followed by scenes showing reporting to a parent, school counselor, and police. This multi-layered dramatization clarified both the legal steps and the emotional support needed.
VIHS students were deeply engaged. Many responded emotionally to the role play and commented on how realistic it felt. There were several questions about how to protect one's identity online, and what steps victims can take when the abuser is someone within their social circle. Students actively participated in a "myth or fact" segment, revealing both their concerns and curiosity about online safety.
Session 3: Freedom of Speech vs Hate Speech
This complex topic was unpacked with impressive clarity. The team comprising student lawyers Asiyath Binth Ahmed Bin Rushdy, Aminath Saha, Khadheeja Shaffa Mohamed, Aminath Naureen Abdullah and Mariyam Raya Riyaz used a pre-shot role play of two students debating online, with one expressing a political opinion, and the other responding with derogatory remarks targeting ethnicity and gender. The presenters paused the role play mid-scene to ask the audience: "At what point does this stop being free speech and become hate speech?" This led into a structured discussion of the legal boundaries under constitutional and penal provisions.
This was one of the most thought-provoking sessions. VIHS students were vocal and thoughtful, asking about limits to expression in school settings, on social media, and in protests. Several expressed surprise that hate speech laws apply even to minors. The audience appreciated the interactive style, and many participated in the closing discussion on balancing freedom and respect in a pluralistic society.
Session 4: Social Media: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Law
This session was rich in both legal content and performance. The presenters Aminath Ruhusha, Aminath Maleesha, Aminath Aasaal, Aini Ahmed, Aminath Eaman and Ismail Sahaab opened with a pre-shot role play showing lack of legislation in the Maldives about social media regulation followed by mock fallout, court intervention, and explanation of the legal framework. The law students then dissected the legal risks including defamation, privacy breach, and emotional harm. They also discussed platform policies, anonymity, and the long-term impact of digital footprints.
Students were visibly affected by the role play, with many acknowledging that such situations were all too common. The question and answer session turned into an open discussion, with students raising concerns about fake accounts, group chats, and online anonymity. The legal quiz at the end, focusing on what is and isn't permissible online, saw enthusiastic participation, with several students earning small tokens for correct answers.
This initiative demonstrates ³Ô¹ÏÍø's commitment to practical legal education and community engagement, successfully bridging the gap between theoretical legal knowledge and real-world application for young people in the Maldives.
