Stipends offered to student teachers willing to work in islands

Ministry of Education has announced stipends for student teachers who commit to working in islands where there is a shortage of teachers.

Students studying for teaching degrees in Maldivian universities and colleges will be eligible for a monthly stipend of MVR 1,500.

Priority will be given to those training in fields with high demand including primary teaching, Islam and Dhivehi and who agree to work in underserved islands.

To qualify, students must have enrolled after January this year and be under the age of 40.

The ministry has also decided to extend the MVR 1,500 allowance to A-level students who intend to pursue teaching in the future.

Education Minister Ismail Shafeeu previously said the stipend scheme was aimed at encouraging more young people to enter the profession and to address the persistent shortage of teachers in island schools.