Ministry draws up roadmap to address teachers

The Ministry of Education has created a roadmap for finding solutions to the problems faced by teachers.

Speaking at a press conference by the Ministry of Education and the Teachers’ Association, Minister of State for Education Adam Shareef said that the roadmap was compiled after discussion between the two parties.

He assured that the ministry will make efforts to find permanent solutions to the problems raised by teachers.

“The issues brought up by the Teachers’ Association are very serious - teachers have voiced very serious concerns. We have listened closely to the proposals of the Teachers’ Association. We understand that these problems arise due to the system, and we have commenced action to address these concerns,” said Adam Shareef.

President of the Teachers’ Association Athif Abdulla said that the problem escalated due to failure by Minister of Education Dr Aishath Shiham to take any action.

He explained that the association sent six letters to the ministry detailing their concerns, but the Education Minister was not willing to engage in discussions.

“We were talking about issues that would affect future generations. Our voices were not heard. They did not want to hold any discussions regarding any of those issues. Given this situation, we were forced to take this stand,” said Athif.

He further noted that a platform has been established for finding solutions to the problems faced by teachers, and said that he hoped that before these guidelines are completed, President Abdulla Yameen would take action to improve the current situation of teachers.

Vice President of the Teachers’ Association Abdulla Raaz said that the association’s decisions are based on the wishes of teachers, and that the decision to strike, was also made as requested by teachers.

He added that this decision has not changed, and that a meeting will be held this evening to decide a way forward.