New Arabiyya School building expected to open next year
Shafeeu criticised the administrations of former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih over the treatment of Arabiyya School.
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Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said students will begin classes at the new Arabiyya School building next year, while criticising previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administrations over their handling of the school.
Arabiyya School students have attended classes in temporary facilities for several years after the former school building was deemed structurally unsafe.
Although the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih pledged to construct a new school building, work had not commenced by the end of its term.
President Mohamed Muizzu later pledged to establish a new campus for Arabiyya School and expand Arabic-medium education.
The project was initially planned for the former Jamaluddin School site. However, after taking office, President Muizzu allocated Plot No. 386 as the permanent location for the school following requests from parents.
Responding to a question in the People's Majlis on Tuesday regarding the project's progress, Shafeeu said construction was proceeding according to schedule.
He said construction is expected to be completed by November, with teaching due to begin at the new premises next year.
During his response, Shafeeu criticised the administrations of former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih over the treatment of Arabiyya School, saying students had been moved between different temporary locations for years.
"Arabiyya School is the one school that the previous government treated in the most heartbreaking manner. During the first MDP administration, the school building was taken away and the children were treated like refugees. Even when MDP returned to power for a second term, the students continued to be scattered across different locations—first to the old Saudi Embassy plot, and later to the Dharumavantha building near Velaanaage. This constant displacement had a very negative impact on the students," Shafeeu said.
The minister added that, following requests from parents, a permanent plot had been allocated for the school and construction was progressing, with the project expected to be completed towards the end of this year.
