The government is working to secure employment for the second cohort of the National Service programme, Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon announced, pledging that placements will be confirmed before the current training concludes. The administration is committed to ensuring that placements are confirmed before the current training concludes, he said.
The initiative, launched last year by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, was designed to shape the nation’s youth by revitalising national pride and reinforcing Islamic values. The current three-month training, which began on 31 January, includes 350 students from 112 islands, comprising 286 male and 64 female participants. Minister Ghassan described the programme as a platform to broaden perspectives and heighten awareness across multiple sectors, producing a generation dedicated to serving the nation while adhering strictly to the ethical principles and standards embraced by society.
“We are cultivating a young generation that harbours a deep love for both our nation and our religion,” he stated. He added that they are “a generation that will lead the Maldives forward.” Highlighting the long-term vision, he remarked, “This programme will yield substantial benefits for the generations to come.”
The curriculum is designed to instil national identity, citizenship, religious understanding, leadership, and language proficiency, while reinforcing discipline through fitness regimens and drills. Participants also acquire skills in first aid, firefighting, and self-defence, alongside camp activities and foundational military training.
The government has already placed graduates from the inaugural cohort of 344 youths. Of that group, 65 began specialised technical training in January at the Technical and Vocational Centre in Kihaadhoo, Baa Atoll, while others were employed according to professional interests. Placements included 171 recruits joining the Maldives National Defence Force, seven auxiliary firefighters, 32 with the Aviation and Port Security Command, 23 with the Maldives Police Service, and five with Maldives Immigration. Three joined the Maldives Airports Company Limited, while 38 entered the private sector.
The administration has set a target of training 1,000 youths this year and introduced a legislative bill to Parliament to grant statutory authority to the programme, establishing a framework to cultivate a generation that contributes positively to society by developing the physical, technical, and intellectual competencies of young adults preparing to enter the workforce.