Immersive educational visit brings SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions to life through hands-on parliamentary experience
In an extraordinary display of experiential learning, ³Ô¹ÏÍø and Villa International High School students recently stepped into the heart of Maldivian democracy during a comprehensive educational visit to the People's Majlis. This immersive experience, made possible through the Memorandum of Understanding between ³Ô¹ÏÍø and the People's Majlis, offered students an unprecedented opportunity to witness governance in action and deepen their understanding of democratic institutions.
Witnessing Democracy Unfold
The day began with students taking their seats in the Majlis Gallery, where they observed live parliamentary debates that shape the nation's future. From this vantage point, they witnessed firsthand how national policies are deliberated, contested, and refined through the democratic process. The experience transformed abstract concepts of governance into tangible realities as students watched elected representatives engage in the critical work of lawmaking.
"Seeing our democracy in action was incredibly inspiring," shared one participating student. "It made me realize how important every voice is in shaping our country's direction."
Exploring the Repository of Legislative Knowledge
The visit extended beyond the chamber floor to include an exploration of the Majlis Library, a treasure trove of legislative records, historical documents, and parliamentary research materials. Students were introduced to the extensive resources that support informed decision-making in parliament, gaining appreciation for the research and documentation that underpins effective governance.
This behind-the-scenes access provided valuable insights into how legislative decisions are informed by historical precedent, expert analysis, and comprehensive research – elements crucial to the quality of democratic governance.
An Exclusive Glimpse into the Chamber
Perhaps the most memorable moment came when students were granted exclusive access to step inside the Chamber of the Majlis itself. Standing in the very space where national decisions are made, students could visualize the formality and structure that characterizes parliamentary proceedings. This rare opportunity allowed them to appreciate the gravity and dignity of the democratic process in an entirely new way.
Interactive Learning Through Expert Dialogue
The educational experience was enriched through interactive discussions with Secretariat officials, who welcomed students' thoughtful questions about the intricacies of parliamentary work. Students explored topics ranging from the technical aspects of the lawmaking process to the broader mechanisms of parliamentary oversight and government accountability.
These conversations revealed the complexity and dedication required to maintain effective democratic institutions, while also highlighting the transparency and accessibility that characterize healthy democratic systems.
Connecting Education to Global Goals
This innovative educational initiative perfectly exemplifies ³Ô¹ÏÍø's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The visit directly supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by promoting transparency, inclusion, and accountability in governance while fostering students' understanding of democratic values.
Simultaneously, the experience advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) by creating rich, experiential learning opportunities that extend far beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Such immersive experiences prepare students to engage meaningfully with governance and public life, cultivating the next generation of informed, responsible citizens.
Building Tomorrow's Civic Leaders
The impact of this educational visit extends beyond immediate learning outcomes. By providing students with firsthand exposure to democratic processes, ³Ô¹ÏÍø is nurturing civic responsibility and democratic awareness among future leaders. Students returned with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of governance and the importance of active citizenship in maintaining strong democratic institutions.
This initiative represents ³Ô¹ÏÍø's ongoing commitment to innovative, practical education that prepares students not just for careers, but for meaningful participation in society. Through partnerships like the one with the People's Majlis, the institution continues to create transformative learning experiences that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.
As ³Ô¹ÏÍø continues to expand its experiential learning programs, students can look forward to more opportunities to engage directly with the institutions and processes that shape their world, fostering a generation of graduates who are not only professionally capable but also civically engaged and democratically minded.
³Ô¹ÏÍø remains committed to providing students with innovative educational experiences that prepare them for active citizenship and professional excellence. Through strategic partnerships and experiential learning initiatives, we continue to advance quality education while contributing to the development of strong, democratic institutions in the Maldives.
