News Desk
Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu announced that all Maldivian classrooms will be fully air-conditioned by the start of the upcoming academic year, pitching the move as a direct response to heat-induced learning loss across the island nation.
Speaking at the government’s public “Ahaa” (Ask) forum on Monday evening, Dr Shafeeu said the “Cool School” project had faced delays owing to weak power grids in roughly 40 islands. However, state utility STELCO has assured the ministry that electrical upgrades will be completed and air-conditioning units installed across all schools by the end of the year.
The initiative fulfils a campaign pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu last October.
“God willing, with the new year, all children will study in the comfort of a cool school,” Dr Shafeeu said, adding that the project had drawn far greater enthusiasm from parents and students than initially anticipated.
Beyond classroom infrastructure, the minister outlined major curriculum shifts set to roll out next year. The government plans to expand its “Nationalism” subject—another signature Muizzul promise—by integrating traditional ethics, ancestral values, and national heritage. According to Dr Shafeeu, over 15,000 national identity activities under the “Bingaa” programme have already taken place across 200 schools, with mandatory daily recitations of the national anthem now standard practice.
Dr Shafeeu also highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into the education sector, noting that teacher training programmes are underway through the National Institute of Education to build an AI-ready teaching workforce.
When asked by a forum attendee to detail the administration’s achievements for educators, Dr Shafeeu struck a reassuring tone, insisting that teachers face no fear of reprisal under the current government, even if they voice political opposition. He alleged that the previous administration had issued warnings to or suspended over 100 teachers, contrasting it with what he described as the current government’s policy of “compassion and affection.”
“No teacher will face fear now, even if they criticise the government itself,” Dr Shafeeu said. “The culture of treating teachers unfairly no longer exists.”
