Ashia Leela Ahmed (Leela) is the Dean of Students at The Maldives National University (MNU), where she oversees student wellbeing, leadership development, and support services. With over 30 years of experience in the education sector, her extensive career spans classroom teaching, teacher education, academic leadership, and national policy reform.
She holds a Master of Early Childhood from Macquarie University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Newcastle, Australia. Beyond institutional leadership, Leela has actively shaped national educational policy through various government advisory committees.
As an active researcher and children’s book author, her work focuses on youth mental health, holistic child wellbeing, and the impact of lifestyle changes in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Outside of her academic pursuits, Leela is marathon runner, a passion that directly inspires her advocacy for active lifestyles and community resilience.

Master of Early Childhood Macquarie University Sydney, Australia 2004
Bachelor of Education (English and History) University of Newcastle Newcastle, Australia 1994

Student Wellbeing and Mental Health
Higher Education and Student Affairs
Early Childhood Education
Drama and Creative Pedagogies
Physical Activity and Health Promotion

English Language
English Literature
Language Teaching Methodology
Early Childhood Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development
Drama in Education
Student Leadership and Wellbeing
Communication Skills

Ahmed, A. L., Adam, A. S., Naila, A., Ismail, A. S., Laiza, M. A., & Abdul Raheem, R. (2023). An Exploratory Study of the Maldivian Children’s Holistic Wellbeing: Children’s Perspective. Presented at the 6th Theveli International Conference.

Book chapters:

Ahmed, A. L. Noon Beynumeh Noon. A Dhivehi parental guide promoting the prevention of child sexual abuse among children aged 5–13 years.

Ahmed, A. L. Madukohlaa Visnaala. A Dhivehi parental guide promoting awareness and prevention of bullying among children aged 5–13 years.

Ahmed, A. L. Dharumaveri Ruh. A Dhivehi children’s story promoting environmental awareness among young readers.

Ahmed, A. L. Velaa Finolhu. A Dhivehi children’s story promoting environmental conservation and awareness.

Ahmed, A. L. Loabivaa Kaafa. A Dhivehi children’s story encouraging kindness and respect towards older people.

Ahmed, A. L. Fenna Fennun. A Dhivehi children’s story highlighting the importance of communication and active listening.

Ahmed, A. L. Akurufushi. A collection of Dhivehi stories developed to teach the Thaana alphabet and early literacy skills to children.

Delivered teacher education and professional development programmes in English language education, language teaching methodology, and early childhood education.

Contributed to national education policy through appointments to Ministry of Education and National Planning advisory committees.

Led university-wide initiatives on student wellbeing, leadership development, and psychosocial support as Dean of Students.

Authored educational books and parental guides in Dhivehi on child protection, bullying prevention, environmental awareness, communication, and early literacy.

Designed and coordinated leadership training and community engagement programmes in partnership with government and civil society organisations.

English, Dhivehi