40 sexual abuse cases in schools filed; 7 under investigation

Dr. Aishath Ali, Minister of Education | Photo: Hussain Waheed/Mihaaru

Malé, Maldives – The Minister of Education Dr Aishath Ali has said today that 40 sexual abuse cases at schools have been filed during the incumbent government with 7 under investigation at present.

The Education Minister further stated that 30 have been fired in relation to child sexual abuse cases in schools.

Education Minister Dr Aishath Ali stated this during a questioning session by the Maldives Parliament following the rape case of a preschooler at a Malé school.

The Minister assured that individuals accused of sexual abuse are immediately removed from positions of contact with children. Education Minister further stated that the government takes such cases very seriously and will not let them go without taking action.

In order to ensure the safety of students schools have an assigned officer to report such cases, the ministry conducts awareness programs designed to inform all teachers and staff to be familiarised with such cases.

I assure parents, schools are safe places.

Education Minister Dr Aishath Ali

Regarding the preschool sexual abuse case, the Education Minister stated that the negligent teacher at the Galolhu school has been penalized. The Education Ministry is now preparing to establish a licensing process for janitorial staff at schools.

Of the reported sexual abuse cases in schools, a teacher employed at a school in the capital city Malé, suspended after reports of sexual abuse of multiple students at the school, has willingly resigned from the school today.

Earlier this year, a teacher accused of orchestrating the gang rape of a 14 year old female student was also suspended pending investigation.