Over MVR 14.7 million spent on Male’ neighborhood schools this year: Education Ministry

Ministry of Education has revealed that more than MVR 14.7 million has been spent on Male's neighborhood schools in the first four months of 2025.

The figures were disclosed on Tuesday in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request submitted by Mihaaru News on April 13.

According to the Ministry, the schools classified as neighborhood schools include Maafannu Madharusa, Galolhu Madharusa, and Ahmadhiyya International School. These institutions are maintained by the Malé City Council but financially supported in part by the Ministry. These include;

- Ahmadhiyya International School: MVR 9.6 million

- Galolhu Madharusa: MVR 345,800

- Maafannu Madharusa: MVR 359,954

The ministry spent MVR 729,504 on Ameer Ahmed Preschool which is not classified as a neighborhood school.

In addition, MVR 75,000 each was allocated to Galolhu Madharusa and Maafannu Madharusa for repairs following rain damage.

While these schools manage their own finances, some teachers are directly paid through the Education Ministry’s budget;

- Galolhu Madharusa: MVR 1,017,386 for salaries of 15 teachers

- Maafannu Madharusa: MVR 958,752 for salaries of 18 teachers

- Ahmadhiyya International School: MVR 1,420,311 for salaries of 24 teachers

Ahmadhiyya International School has consistently received the highest level of funding in recent years. The largest expenditure was in 2023, when MVR 29.5 million was spent, of which MVR 24.9 million went toward A-Level student fees. In April alone, MVR 9.6 million was spent on student fees and MVR 107,971 on teacher visa expenses of Ahmadhiyya International School.

Expenses on Ahmadhiyya International School in 2021 amounted to MVR 13.7 million, MVR 15.4 million in 2022 and MVR 29.4 million in 2024.

The Ministry said that it has not yet conducted audits of the neighborhood schools or received official audit reports. It has requested the Auditor General's Office to audit Ahmadhiyya International School following public concerns about whether a neighborhood school can be operated at an international standard.

However, Ahmadhiyya's Principal, Mohamed Rasheed, said that the school undergoes annual audits. He added that only LKG and UKG levels are operated under the neighborhood school model and that student fees are covered entirely by the Ministry, meaning parents are not charged.