Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering an intellectual and educational society, a key goal of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration. Speaking at the Top Achievers' Award 2023-2024 ceremony, Minister Dr. Shafeeu highlighted ongoing efforts to elevate the nation's education sector in line with the president's pledge.
As part of this initiative, the government has secured three grants totaling USD 9.5 million from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). These funds will be directed toward strengthening schools, developing skilled professionals to manage the sector, enhancing educational planning and financing, and training potential teachers. The government also plans to introduce a new Education Management Information System to guide policy formulation and improve educational outcomes.
Minister Dr. Shafeeu stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to meet the project's primary objectives, particularly in raising academic standards. He voiced concern over the significant decline in the pass rate for Grade 3 students in the Dhivehi Language exam, which has dropped by more than 40%. In contrast, more than 50% of Grade 6 students passed exams in English, Mathematics, and Dhivehi.
The minister emphasised the need to improve pass rates in the primary grades, as this will have a direct impact on student performance in O Level and A Level exams. He further emphasised that providing quality education is essential for accelerating national development and called for collective action to achieve these educational goals.