Hanimaadhoo Island Council has decided to provide an allowance to students enrolling in A Level classes in the island.
The administration places great importance on ensuring ample opportunities for students to pursue higher education in the Maldives. While all schools in the country hold O Level examinations, the availability of A Level education is limited to a few schools. The primary reason cited by most schools for not offering A Level classes is the low number of students enrolling for this level of education.
Hanimaadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, is one of the islands facing a lack of students. Hanimaadhoo School previously held A Level classes but stopped in 2017 due to the insufficient number of students. However, Hanimaadhoo Island Council plans to resume A Level classes at the start of the new academic year. The council has also decided to give a special allowance to encourage more students to enroll in A classes from nearby islands. As such, the council will be providing a USD130 to the first 15 students is holding discussions to provide the allowance to more students who enroll. The council is expected to disburse a total of USD2,000 per month to students for the initiative.
Currently, 500 students are studying in Hanimaadhoo School and 39 students completed their secondary education in the last academic year and sat for the O Level examination. The council noted that most young people consider studying for the A Level examination a waste of time while those interested in furthering their education move to Male’. However, the council expressed confidence that the school will be able to fulfill the requirement of enrolling at least 10 students to begin A Level classes in the new academic year.