Year-Long Student Behaviour Change Initiative to Begin Next Month

A new year-long programme set to begin in February, aimed at promoting good behaviour and study habits among students, has been announced today by Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu. 

Addressing teachers and parents at the opening ceremony of Shaheed Ali School, a new school in Hulhumale phase 2, Dr Shafeeu emphasised the need to instill accountability in students, urging a shift away from “spoonfeeding” and overprotection in education. He said allowing children more autonomy in their studies would encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and independent learning.

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“If we build a generation that takes responsibility for their own education, we will cultivate young people who are accountable not only in their studies but also in the workplace and their personal lives,” the minister said.

The announcement comes amid rising concerns about student behaviour, including a recent high-profile incident at Addu High School. 

A physical altercation between a teacher and a student gained attention after videos circulated online, showing conflicting accounts. One clip depicted the teacher as aggressive, while another appeared to show students confronting the teacher and striking him. Deputy Principal Hussain Fahmee said the incident escalated after the student ignored instructions and violated school rules, confirming that it began when the teacher attempted to intervene.

The Ministry’s programme is intended to address such challenges, marking a major effort to reshape student learning approaches and foster greater responsibility and discipline across schools.