Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has expressed optimism in record enrolment in teaching courses this year.
Speaking at the seventh International Teachers' Conference, Minister Dr. Shafeeu revealed that the biggest challenge the education sector faces is the lack of teachers. The minister stated that efforts are underway to address this issue. He disclosed that recent statistics shows that there is one teacher for every eight students in the Maldives. As such, he revealed that while one teacher teaches 18–19 students in the Greater Male' Region, there are six to two students per teacher in atolls.
Acknowledging that the hard work of teachers, Minister Dr. Shafeeu expressed concern over the shortage of teachers. The minister stated that an additional 250 teachers were required, who are specialised for primary grades. He also noted that the teachers, specialised to teach subjects such as Islam and Dhivehi Language, were also relatively low.
In his address, Minister Dr. Shafeeu announced that the Maldives received a donation of USD 5 million, to develop the education sector. The donation was provided by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). A portion of this donation will be allocated for the teacher's training programme, a programme which has been included in the manifesto of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The minister stated that the number of students enrolling in teaching courses have exceeded the Ministry of Education's target.
Furthermore, Minister Dr. Shafeeu stressed that graduates will not consider teaching as a career unless the hard works of teachers are recognised. Citing research and statistics, the minister stated that countries with the best education systems are those which recognises and appreciates the efforts of teachers. Therefore, he urged students and parents to acknowledge the works of teachers, aiming to enhance the education system of the Maldives.