Education Minister Calls for Community Unity to Strengthen Students' Moral Character

Improving the moral character of Maldivian students requires a united effort from the wider community, rather than relying solely on the school system, according to the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development, Dr. Ismail Shafeeu. Speaking at the third session of the High Achievers Award ceremony at the Combined Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) center in Hulhumalé, Dr. Shafeeu emphasized the need to adopt proven strategies from developed nations to nurture morally upright citizens. He argued that character development must be an explicit priority within the national education framework to ensure students become productive members of society. The Minister highlighted the successful completion of the first phase of the government's "Bingaa" character development programme. Launched under the President's guidance, the initiative has already executed over 3,900 activities aimed at instilling core values such as patriotism, honesty, compassion, responsibility, and cleanliness, alongside religious duties. Drawing on research from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Dr. Shafeeu noted that 97 percent of education professionals and a vast majority of parents believe schools hold a fundamental responsibility to develop a student's character. He urged the Maldives to mirror these international models by integrating character education directly into the curriculum. The "Bingaa" programme operates through a collaborative model involving schools, parents, and the community, using themed activities to cultivate positive habits. By fostering these values, the Ministry aims to increase respect for educators and create a pervasive culture of integrity across all educational institutions. However, Dr. Shafeeu stressed that moral growth cannot be confined to the classroom. He maintained that for students to truly earn the trust and admiration of society, the responsibility must be shared collectively. Only through the sustained cooperation of the entire community can the Maldives raise a generation characterized by strong moral values and genuine respect for others.