The Ministry of Defence has opened applications for the third round of the National Service Initial Training programme.
The initiative was launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on 1 October last year as part of efforts to strengthen national spirit and Islamic values among Maldivian youth.
According to the Ministry of Defence, individuals aged between 16 and 28 are eligible to participate in the National Patriotic Service Programme. Applicants under the age of 18 may take part with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
The training programme runs for three months, with the third batch scheduled to begin in the last week of May. As with previous rounds, the training will be conducted at the MNDF Composite Training Centre in Maafilaafushi, Lhaviyani Atoll. The selection process includes an interview, aptitude test, physical screening and medical examination. Participants selected for the programme will receive an allowance from the date of enrolment. Upon completion of the National Service Initial Training, participants will also have access to technical training opportunities and employment pathways.
Applications must be submitted by completing the official form and sending it via email to [email protected] or by submitting it directly to the Ministry of Defence during office hours on working days. The application period will remain open until 5 April.
A total of 344 youths graduated from the first round of the programme. Among them, 65 participants completed technical training at the National Patriotic Service Technical and Vocational Centre in Kihaadhoo, Baa Atoll, on 15 January this year.
The government has also facilitated employment opportunities for participants who were not selected for vocational training. Of these, 171 were assigned to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), while seven joined the MNDF Auxiliary Firefighters. In addition, 32 participants were employed by the Aviation and Port Security Command, 23 by the Maldives Police Service, and five by Maldives Immigration. A further three participants were recruited by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
The government also supported 38 participants who chose to seek employment in the private sector. Meanwhile, 350 youths from 112 islands are currently undergoing training in the second batch of the programme. This group includes 286 male participants and 64 female participants.
The government aims to provide an additional 1,000 youths with the opportunity to complete the training within this year. The National Service Initial Training programme is designed to instil nationalism and pride among Maldivian youth. The training includes lessons on national identity, responsible citizenship, religious education, leadership and language skills.
Participants also undergo physical fitness and exercise training to promote health and well-being. Character-building activities are incorporated to strengthen discipline and behaviour. Additional components of the programme include training in first aid, firefighting, self-defence and outdoor camp activities. Participants also receive an introduction to basic military training.
To formalise the initiative, the government introduced a bill in Parliament earlier this month to provide legal authority for the National Patriotic Service programme launched last year.
The proposed legislation aims to establish a strong legal framework for the programme and to support the development of the physical, technical and intellectual abilities of Maldivian youth, contributing to the creation of a generation capable of serving the country and society.