National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has conducted a workshop on the role of youth for a peaceful and resilient society at the Hafthaa Res programme in Fonadhoo, Laamu Atoll.
At the workshop, experts from various fields provided information on mental health and anti-terrorism activities to 42 young participants from islands in Laamu Atoll. As such, the experts spoke on the mental health issues common among young people, as well as the reasons why young people participate in extremist activities. The speakers also provided information on how young people can avoid falling into extremist ideologies and how they can play a major role in stopping the spread of extremism.
Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Naeem of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) detailed the work being done to counter terrorism with the help of individuals. He noted that extremism is global problem and said the youth and local communities play a major role in stopping extremism. He also joined in discussions with the participants at the workshop.
Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment is conducting the Hafthaa Res programme in Fonadhoo with participation from 11 islands in Laamu Atoll. The purpose of the programme is to provide information to the public on the individual's role in community building.
The ministry stated the programme also aims to establish a place where people can meet and showcase their skills and products, and includes events to empower the youth.