Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali has revealed the government will be approving teachers to give out teaching licenses.
In her statement to mark the beginning of the new academic year, Minister Aishath noted the important role teachers play in building the nation. She reiterated the decision of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to revise the remuneration structure for the education sector and providing salary increments from the state budget next year.
In her statement, Minister Aishath revealed the government's plan to ratify an education-related bill, which will allow to set the standard for education and teaching courses and allow teachers to give out teaching licenses. She expressed her wish to further improve education in the country and for teachers to be role models for students and highlighted that teachers educating students in classrooms are the most effective method of teaching. She also instructed students to continue their education with enthusiasm and to learn at least two skills during the academic year.
Furthermore, Minister Aishath noted that 92,000 students will be joining schools in the academic year. The government has announced the academic year will be split into two terms as in previous years, although the academic year has begun in the middle of the year, As such, the first term is scheduled to conclude on December 23, 2021, and the second term will begin after a three-week break on January 16, 2022, and conclude on June 30.
Parents and students have expressed their approval of the decision to continue the 2021 academic year at schools. The government has also placed restrictions at the school premises to prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as establishing social distancing rules in classrooms and making masks mandatory.