Maldives Education Minister Clarifies Home Schooling Amendment Bill

Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has stated that a proposed amendment to the Education Act aims to clarify the rules of home schooling in legislation and prevent the unjust derivation of benefits. Speaking on the matter, the Minister explained that including home schooling in the law is a measure to strengthen the process of educating all children without leaving any child behind. He said the opportunity for home schooling will only be provided after a specific assessment, and that it will be granted to particular individuals determined by special conditions. The bill, submitted by Member of Parliament for Hura constituency Dr. Anara Naeem to the People's Majlis, seeks to formally introduce home schooling into the Education Act. Currently, a home-based learning program exists under the 'Policy on Providing Education Including All Students' formulated in 2021, under which 46 children are studying at home. The Minister noted that while the current policy is broad, the new framework will require students to be registered in a school to qualify for home schooling, and that not every child will be eligible.