The Maldives has launched its National Teacher Training Programme, aimed at tackling the country’s teacher shortage by encouraging more students to pursue careers in education. 

President Dr Mohamed Muizz officially inaugurated the programme, presenting scholarship letters to participants in a ceremony attended by Education Minister Ismail Shafi, government officials, and representatives from colleges and universities. 

This year, over 135 students have enrolled in the initiative, which targets secondary school graduates and provides training in areas with the greatest teacher shortages.

A key priority of the programme is to build a pool of qualified local teachers, with the Ministry of Education previously noting a critical need for over 2,000 teachers, including 250 specifically for primary education. 

The National Teacher Training Programme aligns with President Dr Muizzu’s presidential pledge to strengthen the teaching workforce by increasing the presence of trained, indigenous educators in Maldivian schools.