The Ministry of Education has advised schools across the Maldives not to collect funds from parents to celebrate Teachers' Day this year.

In a circular issued on Tuesday, the ministry provided clear instructions on how schools should mark the occasion while keeping costs low and avoiding financial contributions from parents or students.

Teachers' Day, celebrated annually on October 5th, is a time of great enthusiasm in schools, but the practice of asking parents for monetary contributions has been a recurring complaint.

In response, the ministry's latest directive encourages schools to adopt simpler, more meaningful activities that focus on educational and productive engagement.

The guidelines include the following instructions:

- Prioritize scientific and productive activities over lavish events

- Celebrate Teachers' Day between October 6th and 10th, with all activities on the same day

- Limit school assemblies to no more than 45 minutes per session

- Conduct all activities within the school hours, not exceeding two hours

- Refrain from organizing events outside the island

- Discourage students and parents from giving gifts to individual teachers

- Ensure that celebrations maintain the dignity and respect of teachers

The ministry emphasized that the true purpose of Teachers' Day is to honor educators' contributions and remind students and the community of the vital role teachers play in nation-building.