The Ministry of Education has terminated 30 individuals employed at schools, in connection to multiple cases of sexual abuse and assault reported so far.

Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali revealed this during Tuesday’s People’s Majlis sitting, where she was questioned regarding the case of sexual assault in Galolhu School by MP Jeehan Mahmood.

Minister Aishath revealed that the ministry has received around 40 cases of sexual abuse from schools. The 30 employees were sacked in connection to these cases.

The minister went on to assert that the ministry probes such cases as “serious” cases.

Employees linked to the seven cases of sexual abuse, currently being probed by the ministry, have also been suspended.

Highlighting that the Galolhu School case is being probed very seriously since it was submitted, Dr. Aishath noted that two individuals have been suspended, with one arrest already having been made.

Maldives Police Service (MPS) revealed that arrested in connection to the case is a 63-year-old woman. She was arrested under a court order.

The police institution revealed that the sexual abuse of a four-year-old toddler at Galolhu School is being probed from October 16.

The 63-year-old woman was arrested on Monday night.

On Saturday, all female employees at the school were suspended in connection to the case.

The case made the spotlight after the child was escorted to the toilet by an individual employed at the school, according to the family. The child was unable to identify the teacher who was supposed to ensure her safety.

The four-year-old was rushed to the hospital after she reported to experiencing pain, reports indicate that the child was the victim of sexual abuse. As such, she attained a 1.5cm deep injury to her private parts.

The school was quick to publicize a statement following public criticism after the case took the nation by storm. The statement noted that students were being escorted to the washroom by teachers, as per the current arrangements being followed. The school has planted 18 CCTV cameras since, for monitoring and also stationed security officers in order to maintain the security of the students.

The ministry has also revealed that they have begun efforts to plant CCTV cameras in all schools and station dedicated security officers at each school to report such cases, in their efforts to ensure such cases do not repeat.

Further speaking at the parliament, Minister Aishath assured that the ministry will do everything in its capacity to ensure schools are a safe environment for students.

Aishath noted that school teachers are now required to register and have licenses to teach, with efforts underway to introduce licenses to others who will come into contact with students at schools.