Revising lectures is not the only source of education, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Speaking at the inauguration of Izzudheen School on Sunday following the commencement of the new academic year 2020, Solih said that revising lectures is not the only way children learn, and that blending within the learning environment and strengthening bonds with each other are also important ways of learning.

The president said that the inauguration of the new school is a new chapter in advancing the government’s single-session schooling policy.

Further, he added that Izzudheen School paves way to for all-inclusive education as well as a conducive environment that revolves around forming a community of intelligent, responsible and physically skilled students.

Describing it to be a positive development for the education sector, the president expressed hope that Izzudheen School will take the sector to new heights.

Shedding light on the government’s aim to develop the sector further, Solih stated that a record budget has been set this year which is 12 percent of the state budget, amounting to MVR 4.4 billion.

A such, MVR 330 million has been allocated for infrastructural development, MVR 65 will be spent for the development of the new building in Dharumavantha School and MVR 54 million to build a new school in capital city Malé’s suburbs Hulhumalé.

The president went on to urge students to respect each other and practice compassion and affection. As such, he said that it is important to build a community of students who respect and listen to their parents’ as well as teachers’ unsolicited advice. He also pushed the students to greet each other with a smile and always work to do a good deed every single day.

Speaking about some of the achievements for the sector within the past year, Solih said that over 5,590 students had enrolled in higher education programmes under the government’s free education scheme for degree students

A milestone was also reached with the government’s policy to provide financial assistance to higher education students abroad.

Further, the government also reduced the interest rates of student loans by three percent, and increased the reimbursement period of loans by 25 percent, within the past year.

The president went on to touch down on the important role played by teachers, school management and parents alongside the Minister of Education, Aishath Ali. As such, he said that the ministry plays a significant role in building responsible and productive individuals.

Solih went on to pay tribute to Sultan al-Ghazi Hassan Izzuddin Sri Kula Ranmiba Kahthiri Bawana Maharadun, the first Sultan of the Huraa Dynasty after whom the new school was named.

Urging students to follow his footsteps and pick up the sultan’s traits of being faithful, compassionate and determined, Solih said that it is crucial for the continued peace of the society.

Vice President Faisal Naseem was also in attendance at the ceremony. Izzudheen School has a 450-student capacity and teaches up to sixth grade.

Following inauguration, it has become the 212th public school in the country.