Over 250 Join Third Batch of Young Khatheeb Training Programme
Over 250 youths join third Young Khatheeb Training Programme at Islamic Centre | Photo: Islamic Ministry
The third batch of the Young Khatheeb Training Programme has commenced, with over 250 young participants enrolled in this year’s session.
The training is being held at the Islamic Centre auditorium. A shortage of imams and khateebs across many islands has led to a reliance on foreign religious leaders, especially during Ramadan. To address this, the government has launched a nationwide initiative to develop trained khateebs throughout the country.
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ޒުވާން ޚަޠީބު ޕްރޮގްރާމުގެ ތިންވަނަ ބުރުގެ ބައިވެރިންނަށް މާލޭގައި ފެށި ތަމްރީން ސެޝަންގެ ތެރެއިން. – ސެޝަން 4 pic.twitter.com/fwSOzdQhoE— Ministry of Islamic Affairs (@MVIaffairs) June 27, 2025
Among these efforts, the Young Khatheeb programme has proven to be the most successful initiative, according to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Following the completion of two previous batches, the third batch began their training on Thursday, comprising 257 participants attending both in person and online. The training will be conducted in three sessions.
The programme coordinator noted that some students from abroad and the atolls are also taking part in the training. A test will be administered at the end of the sessions, and those who pass will receive an official Khatheeb certification.
Participants expressed positive feedback about the programme. One said that becoming a khatheeb had been a long-held ambition and they were grateful for the accessible opportunity. Another highlighted the spiritual significance of the role and appreciated the detailed knowledge gained, including the responsibilities of imams and the rules affecting ritual purity. The large number of participants was also cited as evidence of the programme’s success and value among the youth.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs emphasised that the programme aims to train young people to become imams and deliver sermons. To date, more than 300 students have completed the programme through the first two batches, with some graduates already serving as imams in the atolls and urban areas.
