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Proposed amendments to the Education Act aim to give children unable to attend school because of disabilities greater flexibility to access education at home or through suitable learning arrangements.
Mariyam Adheela
MALÉ, Maldives: The government has submitted amendments to the Education Act to address the educational needs of children who cannot attend school because of disabilities, including those who may require home-based learning.
The proposed changes were submitted by Huraa constituency PNC MP Dr Anaara Naeem. The amendment seeks to clarify the compulsory education requirements for children who are unable to attend school or participate in homeschooling because of their disabilities.
Under the existing law, education is compulsory for children aged four to 16. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that children receive education from preschool through secondary school.
The current law allows the Education Minister to grant exemptions to children who cannot attend school, subject to regulations established under the Act.
Dr Anaara’s proposal seeks to clarify that children whose disabilities prevent them from attending school or receiving education through homeschooling should not be treated as subject to compulsory education requirements in the same manner as other children.
However, the proposal states that parents and guardians should still make efforts to ensure children receive education in a way that suits their abilities and circumstances.
The amendment also calls for specific criteria to be established under the Education Act to determine when a child’s disability justifies exemption from compulsory school attendance.
The proposed changes aim to provide greater flexibility for children who face barriers to conventional schooling while ensuring their educational needs remain a priority.
The amendment has been submitted to the government’s legislative process. The source information does not confirm whether it has been approved or when the proposed changes could take effect.
