Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali has revealed that vocational education will be included in the national curriculum.
In her message on the start of the new academic year, Minister Aishath said that the vision of the national curriculum is that the highest achievement of schools and the education system can be measured by the level of life-readiness of students. She also said that the educational infrastructure of the Maldives should be further built with more classrooms and facilities and that arrangements should be made to play different sports inside and outside the schools. She added that many schools have been converted to single sessions with the establishment of more classrooms and facilities during the past five years.
Additionally, Minister Aishath said that students can be made into responsible citizens with a good education and making them familiar with the work environment. As such, she said that vocational education will be taught in schools as part of their formal education and that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education will also be introduced to provide students with the core skills of the 21st century, adding that the necessary resources and training will be provided to schools.
Furthermore, Minister Aishath said that school facilities are established to provide education to all children. She noted that there are many children who need learning assistance and that an inclusive environment has been built to benefit them. She expressed hope that it will positively impact future generations and their children, and that the results will be seen in society. She also said every student has different talents and urged them to move forward in their chosen field. She also urged parents to educate their children and teach them to be disciplined and responsible.
Moreover, Minister Aishath noted that in the developed world, teachers have a license to teach in order to establish their rights and respected status in society. She highlighted that is an honor for Maldivian teachers to receive a teaching license to ensure that they have the ability, skills and work ethic to fulfill their responsibilities. She also said that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has demonstrated that teachers are the builders of the nation and that everyone should show due respect to teachers.