Defence Minister and National Service Minister Hassan Rasheed has said the Maldivian National Service programme is producing positive results, with more than 1,000 young people completing training during its first year and a growing number gaining practical skills for future employment.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the second batch of the Maldivian National Service Technical Training Programme, Minister Rasheed said developing young people into responsible, disciplined and productive members of society remains a key priority for the government.
The Minister noted that one year has now passed since the National Service programme began on October 1 last year, adding that the initiative has already exceeded the target set by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
The President had set a target of training 1,000 young people through the National Service programme during its first year. According to Minister Rasheed, a total of 1,028 participants were trained during the first year, surpassing the target.
“There are people who try to push young people towards various undesirable paths. However, the programme initiated by the President to protect young people from such influences is something Maldivians are embracing,” the Defence Minister said.
He said the government’s efforts are focused not only on providing young people with training, but also on helping them develop into well-mannered, responsible and capable members of society.
The latest milestone came with the graduation of 73 students from the second batch of the National Service Technical Training Programme.
The 16-week technical training programme was conducted from June 3 to October 3 for students who had already completed their National Service Initial Training.
A total of 75 students from 17 atolls enrolled in the second batch, with 73 successfully completing the requirements for graduation. The graduates comprised 60 males and 13 females.
Throughout the programme, participants received practical and specialised training in several fields considered important to the country’s industrial and employment needs.
The technical disciplines included Automobile Engineering, Marine Engineering, Electrical Work, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Welding, Metal Fabrication and Office Management.
The courses were delivered by experienced military instructors with expertise in the respective technical fields. Upon successful completion, the graduates received Level 3 certificates recognised by the Maldives Qualifications Authority.
With the graduation of the second batch, the National Service Technical Training Programme has now produced 136 skilled graduates within nine months, further expanding the programme’s contribution to developing a technically trained Maldivian workforce.
Minister Rasheed urged the graduates to make practical use of the knowledge and skills they had gained through the programme and apply them in their everyday lives and future careers.
He also stressed that achieving success in any field requires courage, hard work, patience and resilience, encouraging the graduates to face difficulties with determination and remain steadfast in challenging circumstances.
The government is now preparing to expand the programme further. Training for the third batch is scheduled to begin on October 12, continuing the technical skills development component of the National Service initiative.
President Muizzu has also announced plans to introduce additional technical disciplines into the National Service curriculum, providing young people with opportunities to acquire skills in a wider range of industries.
National Service Internship Programmes are also planned as part of the expansion, with the aim of creating a stronger link between technical training and employment opportunities.
The National Service programme is a flagship initiative of the Muizzu administration aimed at strengthening national spirit, patriotism, discipline and commitment to serving the country, while equipping young Maldivians with practical skills and opportunities for personal and professional development.
The programme also seeks to promote values including responsibility, resilience and Islamic ethics among young people, while helping them develop skills that can contribute to the country’s future economic and social development.
Having surpassed its first-year target and expanded its technical training component, the National Service programme is now entering its next phase with plans for additional disciplines, internship opportunities and continued skills development for Maldivian youth.
