Ministry: Hoping that Arabiyya students can begin studies at new temp building on Sunday

Education Ministry has stated that their hope is for Arabiyya School students to be able to commence their studies at the Sawmill Building, which Foreign Ministry was temporarily run at previously, on Sunday.

Sawmill Building was allocated as a temporary space for Arabiyya School students to study at on December 21.

Education Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Ahmed Ali told Sun that preparations to ready the premises as school reopens for the second term on Sunday, is well underway.

Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali visited the building yesterday, to inspect the progress of the work.

Noting that work at the building is underway in line with the schedule set out – Ahmed Ali said that should no obstructions be faced, work on the building will be completed by the time school reopens.

Highlighting the work being done on finding a permanent solution for Arabiyya School students – he said that they are currently undertaking the pre-construction phase pertaining to the old Jamaluddin land plot.

“At present, Education Ministry is carrying out the design work. The work is moving forward at a fast pace as well,” he had said.

Education Ministry announced their decision to temporarily transfer Arabiyya School students to Izzudheen School amidst concerns from parents over the large cracks in the building which they claim to pose dangers to students on December 17.

With parents opposed to the decision – Education Minister Dr. Aishath Ali stated that the Ministry was seeking land from Male’ City to construct a new building to relocate Arabiyya School.  Subsequently, President Solih had decided to allocate the old Jamaluddin land plot to develop a new building for Arabiyya School on December 20.

Arabiyya School was built in 2011 and opened in 2013. While the building isn’t old, large cracks have formed in the walls, prompting questions over the structural integrity of the building and fear over the safety of students.