Malé, Maldives – In a major step toward inclusive education, the Ministry of Education has announced a new initiative aimed at improving resources and support for children with special needs across the country.

Speaking at the "Aha Forum" organized by Public Service Media, Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu acknowledged the longstanding lack of adequate support for special needs students. He revealed that the sector is currently facing a significant shortage, with at least 600 additional teachers required to meet the needs of these children.

To address this gap, the Ministry is set to launch a dedicated teacher training program in June this year. The initiative will focus on equipping educators with the skills needed to effectively teach children with various special needs. In addition to training, the Ministry is working to procure modern educational resources tailored for special needs instruction.

This effort follows the launch of the National Teacher Training Program last year, which targets subjects facing critical teacher shortages. Under this program, 135 scholarships were awarded in its first round to encourage and support future educators.

The Education Ministry’s latest move signals a broader commitment to strengthening the Maldivian education system by ensuring no child is left behind.