The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on Friday approved a USD 9 million project to improve the performance of the education system, schools, and teaching and learning outcomes at the secondary education level in Maldives.
In a press release issued, the World Bank said the new Maldives Atoll Education Development Project will support the Government in improving the quality of secondary education in subjects of strategic importance for economic development such as English language, mathematics, science, and skills education.
“Improved learning outcomes at secondary education level in these strategic subjects will help more students qualify for higher secondary education,” the World Bank said, “Schools will be encouraged to adopt environment-friendly behaviors like saving energy and reducing waste. Support will be provided to atoll schools to expand their ICT equipment and technology while also improving the skills of teachers to address the needs of students with learning challenges. Skills of school principals, management officials, and teachers will also be improved through targeted programs.”
The World Bank noted Maldives has achieved almost universal enrolment at early childhood, primary and lower secondary education levels, but low net enrolment and high gender disparity are the major challenges at the higher secondary level.
Furthermore, the World Bank highlighted learning outcomes in Maldives are moderate, with clear geographical disparities  among atolls, and between islands within atolls. The average scores for English, Mathematics and Dhivehi for Grade 4 and Grade 7 students ranged between 50 to 60 percent.