Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir has said Maldivian schools are facing such severe funding shortages that they must rely on parents, teachers, and corporate sponsorships for basic needs and activities.
Speaking during debate on a government-proposed amendment to the Education Act, Mauroof described the lack of budget as the biggest challenge facing the education sector. He said schools cannot obtain teaching materials or organise even a single extracurricular event without organising workdays and fundraising through parent-teacher associations.
The MP alleged that government amendments aimed at cost-cutting are diverting funds from education toward other priorities. He added that Members of Parliament are frequently contacted by schools seeking private sponsorships for annual days, prize-giving ceremonies, and sporting events.
Mauroof's comments highlight ongoing concerns about resource allocation in the education sector despite overall budget approvals. No immediate government response to the specific claims has been reported.
