Towards more inclusive and equitable education and learning for every child

MALE, Maldives 22 August 2024 – The Ministry of Education, in partnership with members of the local education group, has selected Equity and Inclusion as the priority reform agenda and developed a pathway to achieve education system transformation. Government, in partnership with UNICEF and World Bank, has mobilized US$9.5 million through the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) to contribute to transforming education and learning in Maldives.

The education transformation agenda or “THAIBA”, was launched by the Vice President of Maldives, His Excellency, Uz. Hussain Mohamed Latheef this morning. The Minister of Education, Dr. Ismail Shafeeu and the Regional Director for UNICEF South Asia Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, along with our partners were present at the event.

The elements of the transformation agenda include:

• Inclusive education
• Strengthening basic literacy and numeracy, transferable skills and digital learning
• Multiple pathways for learning with priority to 21^st century skills
• Improving quality of teaching
• Creating safe learning environments in schools

It seeks to ensure that every child, no matter who they are and where they live, must has access to quality education and relevant skills for work and life. Without quality education, children face considerable barriers later in life and are more likely to suffer adverse health outcomes, less likely to participate in decisions that impact them, threatening their ability to shape a better future for themselves and their communities.

This journey with the Government and partners today, not only focuses on improving access to quality education, but also aims to contribute to closing the gap in what students learn in school, and what they need to contribute positively to their communities and the country’s economy.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr. Ismail Shafeeu highlighted key aspects of the Maldives' education landscape, including the National Assessment of Learning Outcomes (NALO) and its role in guiding reforms. He addressed the critical issue of teacher shortages and the need for targeted solutions. The Minister also discussed the impact of three pivotal grants; emphasizing the Government’s commitment to enhancing education and supporting every student's potential through improved data systems and strategic interventions.

The support to the education sector encompasses three approved GPE grants: a system transformation grant of US$5 million and a system capacity grant of US$1.5 million, with UNICEF as grant agent, and a Multiplier grant of US$3 million, mobilized with World Bank as the grant agent.

Collectively, these grants will focus on building an education ecosystem that supports every child, especially the most vulnerable and at-risk, including children with disabilities to enroll and stay in school, learn, achieve age-appropriate learning milestones, and acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes to transition from school to work and life.

To achieve this, the grants will also help improve education sector planning, monitoring and coordination, as well as enhance the education management information system, which will in turn contribute to evidence-based decision making at every level of the education system.

UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera noted that “To evolve Maldives’ education system, we must invest in every child and every young person. We must prepare them to adapt to a climate changed world and navigate the technology that will be ever more prevalent in our lives. And that is exactly what this collaboration with the Government and Global Partnership for Education aims to do – safeguard the excellent progress to date while accelerating this much-needed transformation. We want to see every child, including girls, and children living with disabilities learning and thriving.”

“Working together is essential to address the different challenges that the education sector in Maldives faces,” said Charles North, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Global Partnership for Education. “Our collective efforts will help more children, particularly the most disadvantaged, to learn, grow and build a prosperous future for themselves and their country.”

The launching of “THAIBA” marks a pivotal moment for the education sector, and showcases the power of partnerships between the Government, development partners and donors. We look forward to working together in implementation to complement the Maldives’ investments in education.

Together, we can create a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.