President Mohamed Nasheed has ratified legislation on pre-school administration passed by parliament on December 21 in its final session of 2011.
“The Pre-School Administration Bill states the policies regarding the expansion and growth of pre-school education in the country, with the State’s full involvement, as well as the contribution of City Councils and Island Councils, private corporations and organisations, and private individuals,” reads a statement by the President’s Office.
The legislation also stipulates that the government should “encourage and facilitate” the institution of pre-schools in all inhabited islands of the country.
The Act specifies procedures for establishing a pre-school system to enroll children four to six years old.
Under the new law, parents would have the option of enrolling children aged two and a half years in pre-school programmes.
The law also states that children must be provided equal opportunity through the pre-schools and instructed in Islamic studies.
