President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated higher education loans and scholarships were provided to 4,144 students by the end of 2019.
In the presidential address delivered at the parliament today, President Solih revealed over 5,000 students have been studying under the free education scheme for degree students, adding USD 2.26 million was spent on the scheme last year while USD 10 million has been budgeted for the scheme this year. Additionally, the president noted 4,144 students were provided loans and scholarships under the Higher Education Loan Scheme last year.
The administration brought changes to the loan scheme last year to provide better convenience for students, such as reducing interest and extending repayment period. Furthermore, the administration also arranged higher education loans to study at any country of choice. State Budget 2020 includes USD 48.52 million for higher education loans, scholarships and the free education scheme for degree students.
In addition, the president highlighted the breakfast programme was introduced in schools last year, adding the programme would be more effective if all schools are changed to single-session schools. He said the administration has set a 3-year plan to implement the change, based on the audit conducted to identify the resources needed to turn all schools to single-session schools.
President Solih also noted the state budget includes the expenses required to broaden Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) across the country. As such, he said USD 1.75 million has been allocated to establish state-of-the-art TVET institutions in Male’ City and Fuvahmulah City.
Noting the administration aims to create a generation that seeks work and business opportunities through new inventions, President Solih said providing training opportunities in the field of science and technology is a priority of the administration. He said efforts are underway to develop Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in the national curriculum and to teach coding to students from primary school onwards.