Minister of Youth and Sports Iruthisham Adam has revealed that the government plans to establish 10 youth centres across Maldives this year. Speaking on Raajje Miadhu TV programme aired on PSM News, Youth Minister Iruthisham Adam stated that when President Yameen took office in 2013, most of the youth centres in the country were damaged or out of service for the public.
However, the Youth Minister noted that the current administration has done tremendous work to make the centres usable with more facilities and staffs. Out of the 42 youth centres in Maldives, 24 of them were established by the current administration, adding that 10 more youth centres would be established this year, noted Minister Iruthisham.
Minister Iruthisham cited that the government targets to establish youth centres as facilities which conduct special programmes for social development and additional courses for youth, rather than developing it as a centre for sports. Furthermore, the Minister added that the centres will provide job opportunities for youth and serve for youth development.
Highlighting the importance given by the government on youth development, Minister Iruthisham noted that over USD97,000 were provided for clubs and non-government organisations as donations.