President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the government has and will continue to stand ready to fully support all students to achieve their career ambitions in their field of choice. He made the statement at the official awarding ceremony for A'Level Top Achievers of 2019.
President Solih said the students, now graduates, are at an important crossroads where they have to contemplate and decide on the road to take for their future. The president urged students to make full use of the higher education and training opportunities offered to them by the government, in the Maldives or abroad, and fulfill their dreams in their field of choice.
The president congratulated all the top achievers who received awards, naming them the true guests of honour at the ceremony. He stated that in addition to the students, their educators, including teachers, lead teachers and principals, and parents also deserve praise and appreciation for enabling the students to reach their dreams. He extended his gratitude to all educators and parents for their diligence in helping the younger generations achieve their potential.
Speaking further, President Solih urged students to aim to use the tools and opportunities available to them in today's modern world in innovative and creative ways rather than chasing after a specific job immediately following graduation. He described diversity and innovation as crucial for swift economic and national development, calling on parents and educators to foster creativity and innovative thinking in whichever field holds the interests of the children.
President Solih also underlined the central role of teachers and educators in the nation, stating that there are 9,119 teachers in the Maldives today; 6,498 permanent Maldivian teachers, 1,730 expatriate teachers, and 891 temporary teachers.
Concluding his statement, President Solih entreated parents and teachers to support the government to shape the younger generations into creative thinkers who can surmount the challenges of the 21st Century, praying to Almighty Allah to bless the efforts.