President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has instructed to arrange for schools to be closed during Ramadan starting next year, and Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has shared some potential approaches with the public.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has instructed to arrange for schools to be closed during Ramadan starting next year, and Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has shared some potential approaches with the public.
In response to questions from the public following the president's directive, Minister Shafeeu stated in a Facebook post last night that with the government closing for the last 10 days of Ramadan, there will be around 12 or 13 working days remaining in the month. The minister noted that the teaching conducted during these 12 or 13 days is equivalent to about six days of normal school hours.
According to Minister Shafeeu, many parents have requested President Muizzu to close schools during Ramadan due to the difficulties of taking children to school for limited hours, as well as the belief that the 12 or 13 days of teaching during Ramadan could be covered in about six days during other months.
He also highlighted that records show a higher number of students not regularly attending school during Ramadan and teachers taking more sick leave or family responsibility leave compared to other months, which affects the quality of education.
The Minister suggested that instead of regular teaching during Ramadan, activities could focus on project-based learning, Islamic awareness programs, activities to instill love for the Holy Quran in students' hearts, competitions, and literary activities.
The minister said that teacher professional development activities could also be conducted during Ramadan.
"Even with such a change, students in Key Stages 4 and 5 who are preparing for international examinations will continue their studies," he said.
According to Minister Shafeeu, all teachers will officially report to work during these days. The minister also stated that teachers will receive their annual leave at the end of each academic year, as usual.
Although the minister shared his thoughts on closing schools during Ramadan, he revealed that after the new academic year begins on the 6th of next month, he plans to consult with teachers, principals, and parents on the matter.
With changes to the academic calendar, this Ramadan is a major school holiday. However, with the main holiday this year running from December 28 to January 27, if schools are closed during Ramadan next year, there will be fewer days available for teaching. According to the calendar, Ramadan next year will fall in mid-February.
President Muizzu directed to find a way to close schools during Ramadan without reducing the number of teaching days or hours throughout the year.
Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu
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