Education
While the 8th International Teachers' Conference, graced by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, officially commenced on September 12, 2026, it was decided that major changes would be brought to Grade 1 textbooks starting from the upcoming 2027 academic year with the assistance of Cambridge University Press. Additionally, Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu announced that work is underway to establish a Vocational High School in Malé, aiming to increase the transition rate of students from secondary to higher secondary education from the current 50 percent to 60 percent.
The 8th International Teachers' Conference, organized by the National Institute of Education (NIE), was officially inaugurated on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Shaheed Ali School in Hulhumalé. The conference was graced and officially inaugurated by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef. Spanning two days with hundreds of participants from the education sectors of the Maldives and abroad, the conference is being held under the theme “Reimagine, Rethink, Reform – Advancing Innovation for an Equitable and Resilient Future.” During this gathering, extensive discussions and workshops will be held on presenting teachers' academic research and enhancing the quality of teaching through the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence.
On September 12, 2026, it was decided to bring major changes to the books used by students of Key Stage 1 (Grades 1, 2, and 3) under the national curriculum. This decision is an important step taken with the objective of further strengthening the quality of education and bringing positive modern changes to the method of delivering education. It has been noted that due to these changes, lessons will be structured in an age-appropriate manner for the children, teaching capabilities will be enhanced, and the learning environment will become more accessible for the students.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Minister spoke in detail regarding the crucial project of establishing a vocational high school in Malé. In his speech, the Minister noted that establishing such a vocational high school in the capital city, Malé, is a very important step towards providing students with practical training and technical skills. Furthermore, the Minister also highlighted all the necessary work and arrangements being made to bring this school into fruition.