The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development has announced that Dhidhdhoo Junior College in Haa Alifu Atoll is set to begin its studies in the middle of this year.
The college, which is being developed as a technical institute, has made significant progress in its construction work, with 95 percent of the project now complete. Initially, the concept of the building was different, but it has undergone changes, with the addition of a training wing dedicated to hospitality training.
The hospitality wing, located on the first floor of the building, will feature a culinary kitchen, pastry kitchen, housekeeping and front office sections, a room setup for teaching, laundry, and a reception area. The workshops for other technical fields are also nearing completion, with machinery, equipment, and tools procured under the Miri Project with the assistance of the World Bank.
The Ministry confirmed that the procurement of furniture and equipment for classrooms and other areas of the building is currently underway, and a management plan is being prepared. Some staff have already been recruited, and more are being prepared to start teaching.
The establishment of Dhidhdhoo Junior College is a significant development in providing higher education opportunities in the region. As one of the most populous islands in the north, Dhidhdhoo will benefit greatly from having a junior college that offers specialised fields of study.
This initiative is part of a larger effort to develop junior colleges in different parts of the country, providing students with access to quality education and training, and preparing them for the job market. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including the hospitality wing, Dhidhdhoo Junior College is poised to become a hub for education and skills development in the region.