Maldives Pushes for 'Smart Education' Across Islands, Minister Announces at Global Conference

Dr. Mariyam Mariya, the Minister of Higher Education, Vocational Training, and Skill Development of the Maldives, announced an ambitious plan to transform the country's islands into technologically interconnected educational hubs. The announcement was made during her speech at the opening ceremony of the "Global Education Conference 2024" in Beijing, China.

Minister Mariya emphasized that the Maldivian government's goal is to establish an educational system that provides equal opportunities for all students through technological resources. "Our aim is to create a network of islands connected through technology, fostering a unified educational environment across the Maldives," she stated.

The minister highlighted the importance of implementing "Smart Education" initiatives to overcome geographical challenges faced by the island nation. She noted that recent studies conducted by the Maldives National University (MNU) indicate a strong need for online higher education options in the country.

While advocating for increased use of technology in education, Dr. Mariya also stressed the importance of responsible implementation. She called for the inclusion of AI literacy and similar subjects in the curriculum to ensure students and teachers use these tools thoughtfully and responsibly.

"As we integrate AI and other advanced technologies into our educational system, we must be mindful of the various considerations that come with it," the minister cautioned.

The push for smart education aligns with the Maldives' broader goals of modernizing its education sector and preparing students for a technology-driven future. Minister Mariya's participation in the conference, at the invitation of Beijing Normal University, underscores the country's commitment to learning from global best practices in education technology.

This initiative is expected to significantly impact the Maldives' educational landscape, potentially bridging the gap between urban and rural island communities and providing more equitable access to quality education across the archipelago.