The Ministry of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development has initiated the establishment of a Polytechnic Centre in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, specialized for water sports. The foundation stone for this center was laid in a ceremony held in Thulusdhoo by the Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development Mariyam Mariya, and Rector of Villa College Ahmed Anwar.
The Polytechnic Centre is part of the ministry's efforts to expand and develop institutes offering higher education and training programmes across various fields in different parts of the country. The center will offer courses of various technical levels in the fields of water sports and tourism, along with other vocational courses and programs in different sectors.
The project is being carried out based on a public-private partnership policy, with funding provided by Villa Educational Services Private Limited under a Build-Finance-Operate model. The Thulusdhoo Council has allocated land for the construction of the center and for conducting water sports training.
Once all phases of the project are completed, the institute will provide various facilities for students and teachers, including accommodation services, special tourism facilities, an ICT laboratory, auditorium, library, classrooms, administrative areas, staff rooms, student service areas, meeting rooms, and study rooms. Additionally, the institute will prioritise student health by establishing activity centers, prayer rooms, toilets, lifts, and first aid services.
The ministry emphasised that the opening of this institute will offer opportunities for youth to study in their own islands without needing to travel, fostering the development and utilisation of their skills and talents for maximum benefit. It is expected that this initiative will lead to better employment opportunities for the youth.