President’s Office has stated the government strongly discourages bringing school children to welcome senior government officials in islands.
Chief Communications Strategist at the President’s Office Ibrahim Hood said no government authority would ask a local council or school to bring students to take part in any activity held to welcome a senior government official to an island. He noted it is something that President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has strongly discouraged.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali also noted a circular had been released in December 2018 asking schools not to force students to take part in activities held to welcome government officials. She added the instruction was given as such activities are a waste of time for students, which are also detrimental to their health as they often have to stand in the sun for long periods during such activities. She noted there is no valid purpose for forcing students to take part in welcoming activities.