Teachers to be barred from working unless registered and licensed

The government has drafted an Education Bill which will restrict teachers from engaging in their work unless they are registered and licensed.

The first reading of the Education Bill, presented on behalf of the government by South Fuvahmulah MP Mohamed Mumthaz, was held at the Parliament just before it went into recess last Saturday.

The legislature is designed to make it mandatory for all teachers and educational institutions to be registered. It establishes that no one may work as a teacher at any school or other educational institution unless registered under the legislature, and that no school or educational institute may employ a person as a teacher unless the person is registered.

 “[Education] Ministry must establish a Teachers Registration Council to enforce all matters pertaining to the registration of teachers within three months of this legislature’s enactment,” reads the legislature.

The Teachers Registration Council is required to begin registration and issuance of licenses within six months of the legislature’s enactment.

The legislature defines a ‘teacher’ as tutors, therapists, teachers, leading teachers at schools, head teachers, supervisors, department heads, deputy principals, acting principals and principals.

While school teachers at present also require registration with the Education Ministry, they aren’t issued a license. And teachers at preschools, tuition classes and other such educational institutions do not require registration.

Meanwhile, educational institutions which may not operate without a license includes public schools, private schools, nurseries, baby nurseries, preschools, tuition centers and tuition classes.

The legislature establishes that all educational institutions, with the exemption of schools, must be registered with the Education Ministry.

Existing institutions are required to register with the Education Ministry within two years of the legislature’s enactment.

The legislature also establishes requirements with such registered institutions must meet.

AGE RANGE OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION

Education Bill sets the age range of compulsory education at 4 to 16 years. Children who fall within the age range are required to attend appropriate educational institutions, from preschool to secondary school.

They must attend school unless for an acceptable reason such as sickness or suspension.

The legislature charges parents or guardians with the responsibility of sending the children to school, and teachers with ensuring their students attend school.

It also establishes disciplinary action which may be taken against children.

Further work on the legislature will be conducted once the Parliament convenes for its next session.