Government Seeks to Strengthen Homeschooling Through Education Act Amendments, Minister Says

Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has stated that the proposed amendments to the current Education Act, submitted to the People's Majlis by MP Dr. Anara Naheem on behalf of the ruling PNC, are intended to further strengthen homeschooling. Speaking to 'Sun', the minister explained that while home-based education is currently provided under regulations, the new provisions aim to bring homeschooling into the law more robustly. He clarified that the law does not require registration under a school for homeschooling but will now mandate that even a child not registered under a school must be registered through a robust procedure. However, former Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali raised concerns in a Facebook post, questioning the inclusion of 'persons with other special circumstances' in the clause, noting that it could exempt some children with disabilities from compulsory education. She asked who would determine these circumstances and on what basis. The 2021 'Policy on Providing Education Including All Students' had already listed such circumstances, including natural disasters, abuse, health issues, and bullying. Former President Mohamed Nasheed also voiced opposition on 'X', warning against allowing homeschooling to mislead and ruin the young generation.