The Government of the Maldives has prioritised building schools in Hulhumale' in the proposed state budget for 2022. Around USD 259 million has been allocated in the state budget for education and higher education next year.
A large amount of the funds have been allocated for infrastructure development, including USD 1.9 million for building schools in Hulhumale' Phase II. As such, the government has allocated USD 647,000 for the school currently under construction and USD 1.3 million for the construction of four new schools.
The government has also allocated USD 324,000 for the contractor finance agreement for the planned Centre for Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) building in Hulhumale', and USD 278,000 for the construction of the new Dharumavantha School building.
Presenting the State Budget 2022 to the Parliament of the Maldives, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer said the government aims to provide educational opportunities for Maldivian students in their own country and to develop the workforce needed for the future. In this regard, Minister Ameer said the government has planned 193 education-related projects to be conducted in 141 islands, including projects to develop school buildings and resources in 26 islands. He also said the government has decided to hire over 400 new teachers next year to solve the problem of staff shortages in schools.
Furthermore, the proposed state budget has allocated USD 8.7 million for the government's school breakfast programme and USD 11 million for providing financial assistance to students. The government has also allocated USD 61 million for higher education, including USD 10 million to provide opportunities for students to achieve first-degree education for free.
The proposed budget also includes USD 14 million for scholarships and USD 16 million for student loans. The government stated the proposed state budget for 2022 aims to solve the challenges faced by students and develop the workforce needed in the country.