900 students commute to Male’ with schools in Hulhumale’ full

Some 900 students living in Hulhumale’ Phase II commute to Male’ City for school daily due to lack of space in schools in Hulhumale’, says Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu.

The densely populated Maldivian capital faces a shortage of schools, as more and more people move to the city.

In an appearance on Public Service Media (PSM)’s ‘Raajje Miadhu’ show on Sunday night, Shafeeu said there are some 900 students who commute for school from Hulhumale’ Phase II to Male’ City each day, due to lack of space at schools in Hulhumale’.

“There’s very high demand. Even now, there are some 900 students commuting to Male’ from Hulhumale’ Phase II due to lack of space in Hulhumale’. Under the baking sun. Under heavy rain. In motorcycles. Because of the shortage of space,” he said.

Shafeeu believes the Shaheed Ali School under development in Hulhumale’ Phase II will provide a huge solution to the issue.

He said the school will open for the academic new year on January 27.

Shafeeu added that a contractor has been hired to add 18 more classrooms to schools in Hulhumale’ Phase II, and that the construction of a new school there will also begin this year.

In addition to shortage of space at schools, the Maldives education system also faces a shortage of teachers.