President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has emphasized that students hold the power to guide the Maldives towards the right path in the future, while the government continues to expand opportunities for young people to develop their skills, talents and businesses.
The President made the remarks while meeting students of Utheemu in Haa Alif Atoll during a visit to the island with First Lady Sajidha Mohamed as part of their tour to participate in National Day celebrations.
During the meeting, President Muizzu said government policies are formulated by listening to the concerns and views of the people, particularly young people, and working to address the issues they raise effectively.
He stressed that the opinions of young people and school students are extremely valuable, adding that the ideas and feelings expressed by the students would be given serious consideration.
President Muizzu said the students currently attending schools would be the people entrusted with leading the Maldives in the future and would therefore have the power to guide the country in the right direction.
He assured the students that the government would always take their views into consideration and expressed hope that there would be more opportunities for him to meet and engage directly with students in the future.
The President also highlighted the positive response to the National Service Programme, which was introduced as an opportunity for young Maldivians.
He said the programme has received strong interest, noting that the current capacity allows approximately 1,000 young people to be trained each year, while the number of applications received whenever registration opens is more than double the available capacity.
During their meeting with the President, Utheemu students raised several issues affecting their education and recreational activities.
One of their main concerns was the lack of a multipurpose hall at Utheemu School, which prevents students from holding indoor activities.
Although President Muizzu noted that no budget has currently been allocated for construction of a multipurpose hall at the school, he assured the students that he would ensure the facility is built.
The students also requested the installation of artificial turf in the area where they currently play, explaining that the school does not have adequate space for recreational activities.
They noted that the Utheemu Island Council has already allocated a sufficiently large plot of land for the installation of the turf.
The students also expressed appreciation for the improvements they have experienced following the installation of air-conditioning at Utheemu School under the government’s Cool Schools Project.
President Muizzu listened to the concerns raised by the students, answered their questions and discussed possible government assistance to address the various issues. He assured them that the government would work towards resolving the concerns they had brought forward.
The government’s focus on creating opportunities for young people was also reflected in the successful conclusion of the Youth Expo held at Hulhumalé Central Park.
Held from August 12 to 14, the expo was organized to help young people develop their talents, strengthen their skills and explore new opportunities in business.
Maldivians between the ages of 18 and 35 were provided with free stalls at the expo. The opportunity was primarily targeted at young entrepreneurs involved in areas such as art, handicrafts, fashion, printing and various services.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness said more than 50 youth-led business and food stalls participated in the three-day event, which was open to visitors from 4pm to 11pm each day.
The expo featured businesses involved in handicrafts, fashion, printing and a range of services, while entertainment activities also created opportunities for young artists to showcase their abilities.
The event attracted a large number of visitors and received a strong response.
Minister of Youth Empowerment Abdulla Rafiu also visited the expo and viewed the creative work and products presented by young entrepreneurs.
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment operated a dedicated stall at the event, providing young people with information about government programmes for youth development, grants and fitness initiatives.
The Ministry said the successful organization of the expo was made possible with the participation and assistance of several institutions and companies, including Adventure App, HDC, Bank of Maldives, SSDFC, Ooredoo, Dhiraagu, Gamers Guild, STELCO, WAMCO, Hulhumalé Hospital, Eco Events and BBC.
The Youth Expo was among a number of activities held across the Maldives to mark International Youth Day, which is observed annually on August 12.
Alongside the Hulhumalé expo, Dhiraagu Gamers Guild organised e-game competitions, while island councils across the country, as well as the Malé City Council, conducted various sports competitions aimed at young people.
The activities were organized with the broader objective of strengthening friendships and connections among young people while giving them opportunities to demonstrate their talents and abilities across different fields.
Together, the initiatives highlight the government’s emphasis on listening to young people, addressing their concerns and creating avenues through which they can develop their skills, pursue entrepreneurship and play a greater role in shaping the future of the Maldives.
