The new academic year has begun with about ninety thousand students after a one-month holiday. With the start of the new academic year, schools have warmly welcomed students. As the new academic year begins with about ninety thousand students, about 84,000 students will be studying in 217 government schools. As in previous years, the number of students studying in Male’ schools is proportionally higher this year as well. About 33% of the student population will be studying in 19 schools in the Male’ area this academic year. And 21% of staff will work in schools in Male’.
The Ministry of Education said that more than 2,000 students have been newly admitted to Grade 1 in the Male’ area this year. And more than 5,000 children have been admitted to Grade 1 across the country this year. The Ministry of Education notes that more than 1,200 students have transferred from atoll schools to schools in the Male’ area this academic year. And more than 500 students have transferred from one atoll school to another.
Teachers play the most important role in providing quality education to students. Therefore, while 11,000 teachers are active this year, 10,000 teachers will be working in government schools. Looking at the entire education sector, that’s one teacher for every 8 students.
The Ministry of Education said that all essential needs including books for students, teachers, and basic requirements for schools are in place as the new academic year begins. Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu said that although some foreign teachers have resigned after the holiday, work is being done to bring teachers for those positions. As the new academic year begins, students completing their studies will go on annual leave on December 28. The current government has decided to change the previous government’s decision to start the academic year in the middle of the year, and start the academic year in January. As such, the academic year will completely change to start in January next year. And the Ministry of Education is working on making the necessary changes for this transition.
