Minister of Education Dr Ismail Shafeeu has called on teachers across the Maldives to embrace a collaborative professional model, urging them to strengthen the teaching profession and advance national educational standards. His appeal was delivered in a message marking World Teachers’ Day.
In a video address commemorating the occasion, Minister Shafeeu extended his congratulations and greetings to educators nationwide. He described teachers as central to the nation’s future, characterising them as the “masters of nation‑building”. He noted that educators bear the responsibility of instilling essential skills, virtuous character, and positive qualities in successive generations.
He also underscored the esteem due to the profession, stating his conviction that, “In no country will there be people more honourable, distinguished, and respected than teachers. I view it exactly the same way.”
His remarks reflected this year’s theme set by UNESCO and its partners, “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession”. The theme calls for transforming teaching from an isolated endeavour into a cooperative, system‑wide effort. Citing this framework, Minister Shafeeu stressed that teachers must work collectively to professionalise the field and reinforce the quality of instruction.
Schools throughout Malé and the atolls marked this year’s Teachers’ Day with a wide range of events and activities in classrooms and assemblies. Among the most prominent commemorations was at Thaajuddeen School, which hosted a special assembly dedicated to honouring teachers.
That ceremony drew the attendance of Minister Shafeeu, who used the occasion to highlight the indispensable role of educators in shaping every profession. In his remarks, the minister described teachers as the foundation upon which all other occupations are built. “Whether referring to a pilot, a doctor, an accountant, a competent administrative professional, or an engineer, the master builders who construct people of all professions are the teachers,” the Minister asserted.
The minister affirmed that the government is committed to supporting this direction. He said the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is prepared to strengthen relationships among teachers and provide essential assistance, with the cooperation of principals and other stakeholders. He added that the ministry intends to enhance professional competence, expand teachers’ capabilities, and create opportunities for career advancement.
The urgency of these initiatives is underscored by the scale of the Maldivian education system, which currently relies on more than 11,000 teachers nationwide. The government has identified two pressing challenges: improving teacher capacity and addressing persistent personnel shortages. To meet these needs, it has launched a national programme dedicated to teacher training, designed to mitigate the shortage of qualified staff and ensure the sustainability of the sector.