Calling for implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

On 2nd October 2007 Maldives signed the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRDP). The Convention embodies institutional changes, and represents an important tool toward altering the perception of disability. It ensures that people with disabilities have equal opportunities without discrimination and with respect of the inherent dignity of every human being.

On Monday evening (28th Jan) OSA held a discussion led by the Human Rights Officer in charge of the Convention at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Simon Walker. Mr Walker is in the Maldives as part of a sensitisation campaign on human rights and disability co-organised by Handicap International with the collaboration of the Resident Coordinator Office and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The discussion at Dharubaaruge organised for civil society was attended by a sizeable 91 people. This marked an interest in finding out about the Convention and a willingness to create change for persons with disabilities in the Maldives. Questions were varied but the overriding message appeared to be the need for Maldivian society as a whole to work for implementation of the Convention in order to make equal opportunities for persons with disabilities a reality.

What do you believe is the reality of implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the Maldives? And what can civil society here do to push for such implementation?

What is the standard of education in the Maldives?

What is the standard of education in the Maldives? Many people believe that there are serious deficiencies in the education system and therefore Maldivian students are not being provided with an acceptable standard of education.

A primary concern is the lack of teachers; in particular well trained teachers whose native language is English. A second pressing issue found in Male’ is the lack of space for classrooms which explains the morning and afternoon shifts of classes. Third is lack of text books, the high prices that are charged and poor quality of the books that are available. The content of lessons is also questionable; in particular some people believe lessons in world geography and history are severely lacking.

What are the solutions? Many believe current hard working and proficient teachers should be provided with better working conditions, salary, living conditions and career opportunities (most teachers are paid Mrf 2000 per month for accommodation allowance). Some are also calling for recruitment of more teachers from Europe and the US. A further appeal is for the government to place priority on seeking more space which can be used for classrooms.

Another solution is for the government to give support to private schools which are supplementing schooling provided by the State. The Language Learning Centre (LLC) in Male’ is one example that parents are using in order to improve the language skills of their children. However, Teacher, Mr Szymon Cichoszewski, from the LLC highlights that no such support is provided.

What are your thoughts about education in the Maldives, and what are the solutions for change?