Ministry of Education has opened applications for individuals interested in the positions of principal at 12 schools in the region between Haa Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The education ministry made the announcement as part of the efforts to hire principals to fill positions currently vacant at some schools.
Some island residents have expressed concern that the schools have been left to operate without a principal for some time.
The ministry is seeking principals for different ranks. The lowest rank of MS-2 has a basic salary of USD 408, while the highest-ranked position of EX-7 has a basic salary of USD 1,000. However, the service allowance for all ranks has been fixed at USD 162.
The education ministry stated it will hire the most qualified applicants based on their experience and interview scores.
Previously, Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali has said the government has found it difficult to find experienced and capable principals and that one of the key issues is the inadequate salary allocated for the positions. However, Minister Aishath said the government has made efforts to solve the issue, which includes providing an allowance to principals who have to travel to other islands for work. She said school principals who are required by the education ministry to work at schools on another island receive an allowance of USD 195.
She added the government aims to train 20 school principals per year and has announced 20 scholarship opportunities.