Stipends are available for those undertaking primary teaching in Dhivehi and Islamic subjects under the National Teacher Training Programme.
According to the Ministry of Education, applications for stipends are open until 2 October.
The National Teacher Training Programme targets secondary school leavers, aiming to encourage more students to enter the teaching profession and to develop a pool of trained and qualified local teachers.
The Ministry of Education announced that it will provide a stipend of USD 97 per month to students enrolled in a first-degree teaching programme in designated fields at Maldivian universities and colleges.
Conditions of the stipend include:
- Enrolment in a university or college in the Maldives
- Pursuing primary-level training in Islam or Dhivehi
- Course commencement after 1 January 2025
- Applicants must be under 40 years of age
The initiative follows a pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to launch a nationwide teacher training programme to produce more local teachers for schools. Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu announced the programme would be launched next month.
One of the most significant challenges facing the education system is the shortage of qualified teachers. According to the Minister, more than 2,400 teachers are currently required in the field, including 250 for primary grades alone.