Maldives Faces Shortage of Over 600 Special Needs Teachers

Maldivian schools are currently facing a shortage of over 600 special needs education (SEN) teachers, according to Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu. Speaking on Public Service Media's ‘Riyaasee Bayaan 2025’ panel, he emphasized that the shortage of SEN teachers is more than double that of primary grade teachers, with schools also short of 230 primary teachers.

Minister Shafeeu stressed the importance of addressing the needs of students with complex learning profiles who require dedicated attention and care. He expressed hope that the government's plans, including the implementation of favorable working conditions for teachers, will help resolve this issue and lead to positive changes in the education sector.

There are currently over 100 students enrolled in the national program designed to train teachers, and Shafeeu is optimistic that more graduates will join teaching courses in the coming years. He hopes this effort will create a skilled, young teaching workforce over the next decade.

In response to the shortage, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has proposed introducing a risk allowance for SEN teachers, a move aimed at attracting more qualified professionals to the field. The government also implemented changes to the pay structure for education professionals, significantly increasing salaries to encourage retention and recruitment in the sector.