President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom assumed office in 2013, pledging youth development and empowerment. The president has made youth a main component of his manifesto and development agenda.
On taking the oath of office, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom began paving way for youth empowerment in various sectors. Youth entrepreneurs were built and employment opportunities were created. Realisation of the campaign pledge to create 94,000 employment opportunities before his term in office concluded, came hand in hand with the realisation of the dreams of youth who craved entrance into tourism, civil service and private sector careers.
The president's manifesto to establish sports facilities and resources needed for youth was also a remarkable accomplishment. Within the first four years in office, 500 related projects such as the development of sports arenas, futsal grounds and bashiball courts have been completed. On completion of the ongoing projects, the figure is set to increase drastically.
The government introduced several loan schemes to empower youth entrepreneurs. The most notable among these is the GetSet loan scheme, which is a start-up loan scheme targeted for youth. 140 youth entrepreneurs have benefited from the GetSet loan scheme in the past 5 years. Noting the attention on youth empowerment by the administration has become a matter of concern for the opposition, President Yameen said, regardless of those concerns, if elected to a second term in office, the GetSet loan scheme would be expanded to provide loans for a thousand more young entrepreneurs. Recipients of GetSet loans describe the opportunity as the realisation of their dreams. While the government has prioritised the provision of education, housing and healthcare for youth, another venture that would benefit the demographic, the development of the Youth City is also progressing at a fast pace.
If elected for a second term in office, President Yameen has assured, all youth, above 18 years of age, would be facilitated housing and employment. The president has also said racers and surfers would have great prospects to look forward to in the coming years. The president has assured Thanburudhoo in Kaafu atoll would be developed to accommodate training for surfers who wish to train for international competitions. The president has assured all futsal grounds would be upgraded to turf grounds as well.
The president harbours a vision to make the Maldivian youth outstanding and capable young citizens in all walks of life.