Minister: New education law will take effect with start of academic new year

Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali states that authorities will begin implementing the new education law with the start of the academic new year this August.

In a press conference on Sunday afternoon, Aishath said the new law is crucial to the education sector.

“We have planned a lot of activities in relation to this. We will begin releasing additional information regarding this starting the 10^th of this month,” she said.

The education law was drafted to ascertain the right of children and adults to education and establish a mechanism to protect the rights of teachers.

One of the key purposes of the law is to promote the protection of human rights in accordance with Islamic principles, and establish an education system which fosters peace and friendship.

The law states that Maldivian students enrolled in classes from pre-school to higher secondary school must be taught Islamic Aqedah, Islamic teachings and Dhivehi language.

The law also makes access to education mandatory for children between four to 16 years in Maldives, and makes pre-school education free.

The law requires active teachers to register with the board and seek their license within two years the law takes effect.