Home-schooling bill a new hope for parents: MPs

Members of the People's Majlis have stated that the bill to introduce the Home-Schooling Programme, which provides school education at home based on the level of disability or mental condition of children, is a hope for parents who have been waiting for it. The first reading of the bill to amend the Education Act was given on the 26th of this month. The bill was presented by Dr. Anara Naeeem, Member of Huraa constituency. During the initial discussion stage of the bill, Member Anara stated that this is evidence of the government's long-term vision to establish a bright future for every child. She noted that the government considers citizens as the largest investment in national development, and highlighted that the bill is important for protecting the rights of all students. "This is a historic and significant effort to improve the standard of living and open the path of national development for every Maldivian student," Member Anara said. The bill proposes provisions regarding the conditions and procedures for introducing the Home-Schooling Programme to provide school education at home, based on an assessment made according to the proportion of a student's disability or their mental condition. While discussing the bill, members highlighted that great attention has been given to determine the rules of home schooling, noting that the bill has been prepared extensively. Members also stated that the bill includes important matters to reform certain aspects of the educational system, and that the government is doing many tasks to strengthen the education sector. Some changes have been included to further detail the roles of parents, teachers, and principals in implementing the school education system. Additionally, bringing reforms to this law to solve difficulties encountered in enforcing the law is the purpose of the bill. The bill also includes provisions for the government to provide free breakfast daily at every government school for children who face difficulties obtaining breakfast, and states that the basic needs of children should be met so that they receive proper nutrition, remain in good health, get adequate sleep, and are prepared to learn.