Majlis Sends Homeschooling Amendment to Committee Amid Concerns Over Inequality

The People’s Majlis has accepted a bill proposing amendments to the Education Act to introduce homeschooling in the Maldives and has referred it to the Joint Committee of the National Development and Infrastructure Committee and the Social Committee for further study. The bill, presented by ruling party member Dr. Anara Naeem, was passed by the Majlis with the agreement of 41 members who participated in the vote. The amendment stipulates that homeschooling will be available to children whose parents have the financial capability to provide education under a homeschooling program, and the child must be registered within the formal education system. Qualifying reasons for homeschooling include having a physical or mental disability that prevents regular school attendance, having a physical disability, having a psychological issue, or any other reason not falling into these categories. During the debate, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) members expressed concerns that the opportunity might be limited only to children of wealthy families. They argued that while homeschooling for children with disabilities is necessary, it should be implemented through a robust mechanism. Some members also stated that under clause (c) of Article 13 of the bill, certain rights granted by labor laws would be reduced. MPs noted that parents of children requiring special support already bear many burdens and that the bill as drafted is not suitable for passage.