Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu has urged schools to organize extracurricular activities in a manner that does not disrupt students’ academic performance. This call was made during the inauguration of a two-day consultation meeting with education sector personnel, private associations, and organizations to discuss the structuring of such activities.
Dr. Shafeeu expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of poorly scheduled extracurricular activities on students’ studies. He highlighted a review of the activity calendar, noting that in 2019, schools conducted 200 extracurricular events. To alleviate this burden, the number was reduced to 111 in the following year. Despite this reduction, the Minister emphasized the need for further adjustments to ensure these activities complement rather than hinder academic learning.
“I propose several considerations for our discussion,” Dr. Shafeeu stated. “Activities should support students’ learning, prioritize the well-being of both teachers and students, involve parents without causing them undue strain, and take into account the geographical dispersion of the Maldives.”
The consultation meeting, held in Malé, includes 92 participants representing all schools in the capital, selected schools from various atolls, island councils, sports associations, sports supervisors, scouts, and cub scouts. The objective is to develop a framework that harmonizes extracurricular engagements with academic responsibilities, fostering a holistic educational environment.
This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education in the Maldives. Previously, the Ministry directed schools not to conduct extracurricular activities during school holidays to ensure that students and teachers have adequate rest periods.
The meeting is set to continue through Friday to Saturday, with stakeholders expected to propose actionable strategies that balance academic priorities with the benefits of extracurricular involvement.
