Education Minister Dr. Ahmed Shafeeu has announced that major changes will be introduced to Grade 1 textbooks under Key Stage 1 starting next year.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Teachers Conference held at Shaheed Ali School, the Minister stated that these modifications are being implemented to improve student performance and academic attainment. He noted that this work is being spearheaded through the National Institute of Education (NIE).

As part of government efforts to strengthen the education system, necessary adjustments are continuously being made to curriculum content, the Minister said. Pointing out that enhancing student outcomes remains a primary topic of discussion across various meetings, forums, and high achievers' award ceremonies, he emphasized that regardless of textbook modifications, true progress stems from the dedication and effort of teachers.

"Simply having a book does not make a teacher. In reality, the book itself is not what matters most; what truly matters is how we envision shaping the education of our young students, which is where the greatest change will come from," the Minister stated. Minister Shafeeu also highlighted that teachers, working closely with parents, are the architects of positive change for students.

Aligned with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's manifesto, efforts are also underway to bridge the gap between secondary and higher secondary education, the Minister noted. While higher secondary enrollment previously ranged between 30 and 40 percent, that figure is now approaching 50 percent, he stated. Furthermore, with the establishment of the Malé Vocational High School and expanded opportunities, the target is to increase higher secondary capacity to 65 percent over the next few years.

The Minister stressed that society must respect the authority and discretion of teachers, warning that restricting teachers' influence and opportunities in shaping children would deprive students of a vital part of their development. Consequently, he urged school principals to work patiently and wisely with the community and parents, and to involve teachers as extensively as possible in school management.

Noting that the students taught last year differ from those taught this year, the Minister asserted that true success cannot be achieved unless educators prepare for these evolving dynamics. He concluded by noting that the primary objective of the conference is to bridge the gap between educational policy changes, classroom practices, and research to arrive at evidence-based solutions.