The new academic year for 2019 has kicked off after a month long holiday.
On Sunday, 213 schools opened is doors to 73,035 students all over Maldives, while 317 pre-schools are scheduled to open next week. A strong workforce of 9800 teachers are currently in employment, out of which all but 1900 are Maldivian teachers.
This year's academic year kicked off with the commencement of the Breakfast Pilot Program as pledged by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Select schools will be serving a government-sponsored healthy meal to its students. Vice President, Faisal Naseem inaugurated the program at a ceremony held at Aminiya School.
Speaking at the ceremony, VP Faisal shed light on the importance of learning. He also advised all the students to listen to their teachers, obey their parents, pay attention in class, work hard to get good results and pray regularly.
During the ceremony the Vice President took part in taking breakfast with students in order to officially inaugurate the pilot program to provide breakfast for school children.
The Vice President noted priorities and contributions given by this government in order to build a strong future generation. He pointed out that the government would spend much more in education sector, compared to previous governments.
Education Ministeer, Aishath Ali added that although some challenges may be faced in early stages of the implementation of the program, solutions to such issues will be sought immediately. Such breakfast programs are the norm all over the world, although it may be new to Maldives, said the Minister.
The current school year will have 200 official days, with the first semester break commencing on 30th May. The second semester will begin on 9th June.
The Education Ministry has been preparing well for the new academic year. The Ministry has begun efforts to seek a solution for the age-long issue of congestion in schools.
