The government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on providing programmes related to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for school students.
The MoU was signed by Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali and Minister of Higher Education Ibrahim Hassan. The agreement will allow the ministries to collaborate in facilitating TVET-related programmes to school students in the TVET institutes under development in different parts of the Maldives. The ministries agreed to allow students in 9th and 10th grade to participate in the courses run by TVET centres.
The higher education ministry stated that the Bridging Excellence School Students TVET Programme will provide National Level Certificate 3 and 4 courses to students in grades 9 and 10. The courses aim to provide them with the opportunity to pursue various fields and gain useful skills and pave the way for them to gain employment or a higher education in their chosen field.
At the signing ceremony, Minister Hassan said the MoU was an important step in training professionals that are needed in various industries in the Maldives. He expressed confidence that providing quality vocational education and skills to young people in the atolls will result in the development of the economy. He highlighted that the government has given a high priority to providing vocational and skills education and training opportunities to the youth.
Also at the ceremony, Minister Aishath said adding that the TVET centres being built in the atolls will further expand the opportunities for vocational training. She added that the centres will help facilitate the TVET programme and the establishment of teaching facilities.
TVET centres in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, and Alifushi, Raa Atoll, are scheduled to hold numerous courses. As such, the centres will enroll students in 10 courses for the 2024 January intake. The higher education ministry stated that the students can enroll in the courses for free.