Teacher training to be expanded in islands with MQA’s assistance

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu states efforts are underway to expand training teachers at islands with assistance from Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA).

Speaking at the ceremony held on Thursday morning to launch the ‘National Teacher Training Program’, Minister Shafeeu cited the biggest obstruction faced in the education sector at present as the shortage of teachers. Henceforth, the Minister said subjects where teachers are particularly lacking will be prioritized when training teachers under the national program.

The Minister cited opportunities to obtain higher education while based at their respective islands as a pertinent appeal of the citizens.

“We have come to an agreement with the National University, Islamic University and Villa College to collaborate with us in paving the way for students to complete their education in as many subjects as possible under the program, while based in their islands, with assistance from MQA,” he added.

Minister Shafeeu stressed that migrating to Male’ and the subsequent expenses incurred will not be feasible for every family. In line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s policies, the Minister affirmed that students will be provided the opportunity to study while based in their islands via this program.

As per the Minister, there are difficulties in recruiting teacher for a number of subjects. While the whole education sector requires some 2,000 teachers, 250 teachers are required alone for primary grades.

He noted that approximately 140 students are enrolled in the program launched on Thursday while expressing hope to see participation from over 150 students next year.

The Minister cited mathematics, English language, and science stream subjects including physics, chemistry and biology, as subjects for which there are difficulties in recruiting teachers.

“There is an increase in demand for teachers for science stream subjects in comparison to business stream subjects. Mathematics is undertaken by all students as it is a mandatory subject. Even at present, science stream subjects have not been streamlined as much as business stream subjects in the atolls,” he detailed.

The average pass rate among science stream subjects is 40 percent. As science stream subjects have not been streamlined in atolls, the Minister said if 6,000 students are sitting for O’ Level examinations, approximately 2,000 to 2,500 of them will be science stream students.

Concluding his remarks, Minister Shafeeu described the education sector as the backbone behind the development of the nation. He affirmed that the current administration will undertake efforts to develop the education sector under the guidance of President Muizzu.