The government had identified islands to implement the university campus project ‘Dhanaalu Project’ on priority need basis, the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development said Monday.
The government has earmarked four islands for the Dhanaal project which include, Dhuvaafaru, Raa Atoll, Hulhudhuffaaru, Raa Atoll, Villin’gili, Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Fuvahmulah City.
The government has planned to build these campuses in the next five years.
Speaking to PSM News, the Minister of State for Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development Ahmed Shafeeu said the islands designated for the Dhanaal project have been identified after carefully evaluating the requests made by multiple islands.
Shafeeu said the land needed to develop the campuses has been allocated, adding that the projects will be kickstarted in the new year.
“The size of the project will vary for every island. We have no intention of developing large buildings. We plan to move forward with the student population of the island and how many children we need to cater from nearby islands. Learning facilities, rooms and classrooms will be established,” he explained.
The Dhanaal project will offer an affordable option for students to move to other islands with their families to pursue higher education opportunities that are not available in their own islands.
The Ministry believes that this will solve the difficulties faced by many students who have to migrate to other islands to pursue higher education.