President Mohamed Nasheed has said that teachers play the most important role in the growth and development of the country. The president made this remark while speaking at the “Teaching Excellence Award” ceremony held last evening to commemorate this year’s Teachers’ Day.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Dharubaaruge, President Nasheed highlighted on the urgency for skilled youth in the development of the country, noting that it was the teacher’s responsibility to create skilled youth in the place of expatriate workers for the labour market in Maldives.

The President also underscored the government plans to expend the income generated via the new tax systems, on the development of the education and health sectors.

Highlighting the need for a higher number of well qualified teachers, President Nasheed noted the importance of revising and strengthening the current educational policies of the government.

President Nasheed presented medals to the award winners at the ceremony.