People's National Congress (PNC) presidential candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has assured resort workers that he would address their concerns after criticism of his pledge to change the annual holidays at the end of the academic year from June to December.
In 2021, the beginning of the academic year was changed to August to coincide with the low season for the tourism industry in order to allow resort workers to spend the holidays with their children. The academic calendar was changed after extensive consultations.
The Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM) objected to Muizzu's pledge to reverse the change.
"The change made to the school annual holidays is an important change that offers social and economic benefits and was brought about, especially at the urging of a large majority of tourism workers," TEAM said.
In a tweet posted in response to the criticism, Muizzu said he has heard concerns from resort employees about changing the school annual holidays to December.
"I will resolve this concern. Details will be revealed at the rally in Faafu Nilandhoo tonight," he said.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo, Muizzu said he would reverse the change brought by the current government and arrange for the academic year to begin in January starting in 2025. The present mid-year holiday was burdensome to students and parents, he said.
"When this government changed the school holidays, it changed to the worst days of the western monsoon. The annual holidays cannot be used because of this change. Families cannot make use of it, and most of the holiday is lost because of this. All the students who participate in Independence Day activities have to stay behind," he said.
