Schools have become a competition, Raashidha calls for introduction of homeschooling

Former minister Raashidha Yoosuf has called for the introduction of homeschooling in Maldives, expressing concern that the current school system has become overly competitive and stressful for both teachers and students.

Speaking at a meeting attended by Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu, Raashidha said schools today no longer provide space for students or teachers to “breathe,” as academic life has turned into a constant competition.

“Studies have become a competition. Extracurricular activities have become a competition. Even celebrating special days has become a competition. Schools now feel like empty competitions,” she said.

Raashidha, a graduate in teaching, said this trend began during the time she was running a school. She previously served as Minister of Youth and Women’s Affairs, Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Welfare, Minister of Women and Social Security, and later as High Commissioner, during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

She expressed concern that children today rely heavily on rote memorization, commercially produced past papers, and tuition classes, rather than learning through critical thinking. She said even projects and assignments at primary level are now being completed commercially.

Raashidha warned that many students completing Grade 12 lack basic skills, including the ability to write a proper letter or speak Dhivehi fluently. She also raised concerns about declining values among school leavers, including a lack of respect for others.

She further highlighted the issue of unemployment among school leavers, saying many young people are unwilling to continue in jobs they do not like.

“Now, if you don’t like the job you get after school, you simply leave it. Parents also struggle to teach children to persevere and make the best of the opportunities they receive,” she said.

Calling for urgent reform, Raashidha said the Maldivian education system should be reviewed by studying education models in other countries. Questioning whether the current system can produce individuals capable of leading the country, she urged authorities to consider introducing homeschooling, even if it requires legislative changes.