President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has wished success to 84 students departing for the third batch of the National Service technical training programme.
The batch comprises 64 male and 20 female students from 44 islands across 17 atolls of the Maldives.
Launched under President Muizzu’s leadership to build a disciplined and responsible generation of young people, the National Service programme has completed its first year. More than 1,000 students have completed training across the first three batches, while an additional batch began in January.
The programme aims to equip school leavers with essential technical skills for the job market while developing their self-confidence and strengthening their spiritual, mental and physical well-being.
President Muizzu is closely monitoring the programme’s implementation. A National Service Bill has been submitted to Parliament to further strengthen the initiative, with work on the bill expected to continue during the current parliamentary term.
The Ministry of Defence has also been renamed the Ministry of Defence and National Service to reflect the Government’s focus on expanding the programme.
The initiative has attracted strong public interest, with applications exceeding the number of available places.