theCircle: Fostering a Passion For Learning

A great gap that I observed early on in the Maldives is missing space, both physically and mentally, for pursuing knowledge and creativity. theCircle is among my initiatives to address and fill this gap. 

theCircle aims to empower the community across the spectrum for all ages. It is my absolute belief that education knows no limits, and that a scholarly pursuit is a lifelong pursuit. theCircle provides a physical as well as virtual, modern and comfortable space for the community to meet, read, and learn. It is above all, a hub for pursuing knowledge and creativity. One that I believe the community needs.   

There are three elements that complete the circle: space, academy and catalyst. 

Space entails a physical dedicated spot for the community to gather, connect, and learn together. We created a spacious facility with modern amenities and a stimulating ambience. Once the space is there, the community will grow. In our constantly noisy and congested cities, dedicated space for learning is essential.

Academy is education beyond the classroom. We understand that the rote memorisation education style is one that overlooks many people’s talents, skills and inquisitiveness. Novel sciences, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics—for instance—are subjects that many students come to dislike throughout their school years for various reasons.

Practicality and inventiveness are core elements of the academy. We want to go beyond education—we want to empower people. I have always believed that through empowerment comes real education and change. 

Our most recent courses provided in the Academy was “the Circle Kids Learning Programme;” this programme covered coding, robotics, critical thinking skills, writing and speaking. Elements like critical thinking, individual feedback and unique assessment methods were included during all stages during the sessions. Various scientists, writers and artists joined the kids during the course. Ultimately, we want our students to listen to and learn from professionals in various fields.

Catalyst is the platform for empowerment. We want to hear from talented individuals with ideas so we can assist them in developing and cultivating their ideas, training and so on. We are a community filled to the brim with ideas and innovation; though unfortunately, countless hurdles and barriers prevent us from  manifesting these ideas into reality. That’s  why we will welcome anyone and everyone  who wishes to see their ideas manifested. We wish to remove these obstacles and barriers to the furthest our abilities permit, and ultimately, empower the community in its purest form. 

We are still in the early stages. theCircle is simply one  exemplary element I wish to have more in our community. Spaces (both physical and virtual) for us to gather, exchange ideas, debate and learn together. I believe that liberation, growth, innovation and empowerment lies in the community’s hands; we simply need the space to actualise these.