The World Bank has approved a $2.7 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education to enhance the Atoll Education Development Project in the Maldives. This initiative, originally sanctioned by the World Bank's Board in September 2022, aims to improve teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes at the secondary education level. Special attention is given to mathematics, science, and English language education, particularly in the outer atolls.
David Sislen, World Bank Regional Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka stated: “The additional financing is a step towards achieving the government’s vision of a stronger education system in the Maldives.” He emphasized that this support would bolster evidence-based decision-making and enhance the capabilities of educational officials and school staff.
This funding under GPE’s Multiplier Grant will enable new activities and indicators aimed at strengthening evidence-based decision-making within the Maldives' education sector. A significant aspect of this initiative includes human resource development and establishing a digital-based Education Management Information System (EMIS).
The new financial support also aims to improve crisis management and climate adaptation skills among educational staff. The EMIS will consolidate data related to students, human resources, and administration to facilitate efficient planning and policy-making. It will monitor attendance, identify dropouts, track infrastructure for energy efficiency, and strengthen resilience against economic and climate challenges.
Harsha Aturupane, World Bank Lead Economist and Task Team Leader commented: “The Atoll Education Development Project has made steady progress. Students and teachers in nearly all the 100 target schools are benefiting from interventions in English, mathematics, and science.”
The project is executed by the Ministry of Education of Maldives. With this recent approval, total funding amounts to $12.775 million including a $4.5 million grant and a $4.5 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA), alongside a $1 million contribution from the Government of Maldives plus $2.775 million from GPE Multiplier Grant.