Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment has signed an agreement with Maldives National University (MNU) to conduct youth-related research. The agreement was signed by State Minister Hussain Ismail and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of MNU Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam.
The youth ministry stated the purpose of the agreement is to conduct research on issues facing youth in selected islands and urban areas. The research will focus on uncovering the various reasons young people resort to criminal activities, and why some individuals repeat criminal offenses.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Shehenaz said the research will also focus on the issues faced in punishing repeat offenders, and on young men and women who refuse to join the workforce. Research will also gather information on the current changes in attitude and the mental and emotional wellbeing of youth, she said.
The youth ministry stated the research will be conducted in the Greater Male' Region, Fuvahmulah City, and some islands in the atolls. The ministry also stated the information gathered during the research will help the government solve the various issues faced by the youth and build a foundation for developing responsible young people and reduce crime.
The research will be conducted in three phases for a six-month period, which consists of planning, researching, and formulating a report.