Ministry of Education has revealed its overarching goal of increasing the number of students completing their higher secondary education. Aiming to achieve the objective, the government has implemented several significant measures. These include expanding educational opportunities to all students in 23 schools that offer higher secondary education, based on the capacity of these institutions, and relaxing the eligibility criteria for student admissions. While the government is currently giving the opportunity for students of 23 schools, it aims to provide this opportunity in all islands which provides higher education.
Speaking at a programme aired on Television Maldives (TVM), Minister of State for Education Ahmed Mohamed stated that the primary objective of this initiative is to deliver quality educational opportunities to students within an official educational framework until they reach 18 years of age. The state minister underscored that the initiative will also be instrumental in providing students with foundational knowledge across various fields as they transition into the workforce.
Furthermore, State Minister Ahmed Mohamed highlighted the ongoing efforts to increase the number of local teachers. While over 10,000 teachers are actively working in the nation, over 2000 teachers are foreign teachers. Hence, the state minister revealed the government's plans to provide allowances to students interested in having teaching as their career, under these efforts. It will be provided to students enrolling in grade 11, after an agreement between the ministry, the student, and the parent or guardian as well. He noted that these students will be eligible to become primary teachers at foundational level, after they complete their higher secondary education.
Additionally, the government has decided to allow students to complete examination papers created by the government, rather than taking the Edexcel examinations for certain subjects. These governmental decisions are aimed at providing diverse opportunities to the youth and increasing the number of local teachers. The government is confident that these measures will enhance national productivity and development.