Maldives moves toward introducing first legal homeschooling framework
Parliament unanimously advances legislation allowing home education for children with disabilities, health challenges and exceptional needs
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — The Maldives has taken a significant step toward introducing its first legally regulated homeschooling system, with Parliament unanimously advancing legislation that would allow children to receive education at home under government supervision, particularly those facing disabilities, serious health challenges or exceptional circumstances.
The government-sponsored amendment to the Education Act received unanimous support from 41 lawmakers during its initial parliamentary consideration. The bill has now been referred to a parliamentary committee for detailed examination before further legislative approval.
Introduced by lawmaker Anaara Naeem on behalf of the government, the proposed legislation seeks to establish a formal legal framework for home-based education, offering an alternative to conventional classroom learning for children who face significant barriers to attending school.
The framework would primarily benefit children with severe physical disabilities, serious mental health conditions and other exceptional needs that make regular school attendance difficult.
It also includes provisions allowing exemptions from compulsory education requirements for children with severe developmental conditions that prevent them from participating in either conventional schooling or structured homeschooling programs.
Under the proposed law, the Ministry of Education would be responsible for establishing qualifications for home tutors, monitoring students’ academic progress and ensuring that home-based instruction follows national curriculum standards.
These measures are intended to bring homeschooling under formal government oversight while allowing families greater flexibility in meeting their children’s educational needs.
The amendment would also formally establish January as the beginning of the national academic year, providing a statutory basis for the country’s existing education calendar.
Although lawmakers unanimously supported advancing the legislation, parliamentary discussions highlighted several issues requiring further consideration.
Lawmaker Ameen Faisal questioned a provision requiring parents or guardians to demonstrate sufficient financial resources before receiving permission to homeschool their children.
He argued that such a requirement could disadvantage lower-income families whose children genuinely need alternative educational arrangements.
If approved, the legislation would establish the Maldives’ first statutory framework for homeschooling, creating a regulated alternative educational pathway for children whose circumstances make conventional schooling difficult.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
