Maldives requires an additional 113 teachers beyond those currently employed.
Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu said last night that the ministry will begin visiting A' Level schools to identify students interested in pursuing a career in teaching.
The lower number of Maldivian teachers teaching at schools has been a growing concern in the education sector. The current administration has announced that it plans to start a national program to increase the number of teachers in the country.
The government has also decided offer a monthly allowance of MVR 1,500 to those who start their A' Level education with the interested in becoming teachers.
"Once we identify the number of interested students, the allowance will be provided. We are currently in the process of identifying these students," the minister said.
Statistics provided by the Education Ministry to Mihaaru News reveal that the greatest need is for primary grade teachers, with a total of 253 teachers required. There is also a shortage of English and mathematics teachers, with 208 and 175 positions needed, respectively. In total, the Maldives requires an additional 113 teachers beyond those currently employed.