Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has stated that the Maldives National Service programme is designed to cultivate a sincere and dedicated generation.
The youths selected for the first batch of the programme have now departed for Maafilaafushi to begin their training.
The Maldives National Service Programme was announced under the Ministry of Defence on Victory Day last year. The President noted that over two thousand school leavers are unable to secure employment or pursue higher education opportunities. The programme is intended to provide training for this demographic, preparing participants for potential service in the army and police.
“If these youths are given proper guidance, military training and the opportunity to become skilled and employable, it will be a major advancement for them, their families, the country and the armed forces," the President said.
In a social media post, Minister Ghassan Maumoon described the programme as a policy set to bring about positive societal change. He added that this is a new beginning to nurture a generation committed to national development and that it will further strengthen the country’s sovereignty.
A large number of young people applied for the programme within just two months of its launch. Over the past month, 1,244 young people submitted applications. The government has allocated a special budget to support the initiative. The first phase of selection was conducted across 11 islands, with more than 300 youths departing for training under the initial round of the programme.