Historically in Maldives the children aged three and up in theMaldives were educated in traditional schools known as "Kiyavaage" or "Edhurge",[1] generally using a single large room or the shelter of tree. The children learned simple arithmetic,Dhivehi and some Arabic, and practised reciting theQur'an.[1] These private schools no longer exist, as western style schools replaced them in the 1980s–1990s.
The first western-style school in the Maldives isMajeediyya School, a secondary established in 1927.[2] The school was originally co-educational, but it was felt necessary to create a second school for girls (Aminiya School) in 1944.[3]
Based on a study by educational advisors fromUNESCO, the Government of Maldives began implementation of the Educational Development Project on 6 October 1976. This Project constituted a comprehensive programme of educational development comprising Expansion of Primary Education, Teacher Training, Curriculum Development, Educational Radio, Community Education Programme for Adult Education and Textbook Development and Printing. The first school under this project was opened inBaa AtollEydhafushi in March 1978 followed by another two inN.Manadhoo andHDh.Kulhudhuffushi in March 1979. School construction was continued in all atolls and was later complemented by Primary Schools construction project by Japan. Curriculum Development began in 1976, while Teacher Training began in 1977. Simultaneously, other programmes were introduced and continued through the 1970s and until the mid-1980s from where on the First Ten Year Master Plan for Educational (1986–1995) began implementation. Second Master Plan was implemented 1996–2005. These were the bases of educational development in the Maldives begun by the government ofPresident Nasir continued byPresident Gayoom.
As of 2002, the President's Office claimed that universal primary education has almost been achieved and the literacy rate had improved from 70 per cent in 1978 to 98.82 per cent. In 2005, there were 106,220 students in schools, or 40% of the total population.
A National University Act was passed in January 2011 to establish the first university in the Maldives.[4] Institutions offering higher education in the Maldives are:
