Gov’t Seeks Employment Placement for Second National Service Cohort

Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has announced that the government is working to secure employment placements for the second cohort of the National Service programme.

He said placements will be confirmed before the completion of the current training cycle, adding that the administration is committed to ensuring employment opportunities for participants upon graduation. The initiative was launched last year by President Mohamed Muizzu and is intended to strengthen youth development by promoting national pride and reinforcing Islamic values.

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The three-month training programme began on 31 January and includes 350 students drawn from 112 islands. The cohort comprises 286 male and 64 female participants.

Minister Ghassan described the programme as a platform to broaden perspectives and increase awareness across multiple sectors, aiming to produce a generation committed to serving the nation while adhering to ethical and societal standards.

The minister said the government is cultivating a young generation with strong national and religious values, adding that the programme is expected to benefit future generations by developing civic responsibility and leadership. The programme curriculum focuses on national identity, citizenship, religious education, leadership, and language proficiency.

Participants also undergo physical fitness training, drills, and discipline-building exercises. In addition, the training provides practical skills in first aid, firefighting, and self-defence, along with camp activities and basic military instruction. The government has already placed graduates from the first cohort of 344 youths. Of these, 65 participants began specialised technical training in January at the Technical and Vocational Centre in Kihaadhoo, Baa Atoll.

Employment placements included 171 recruits joining the Maldives National Defence Force, seven becoming auxiliary firefighters, 32 joining the Aviation and Port Security Command, 23 joining the Maldives Police Service, and five entering Maldives Immigration. Additionally, three participants joined Maldives Airports Company Limited, while 38 secured employment in the private sector. The administration has set a target of training 1,000 youths this year.

A legislative bill has also been submitted to Parliament to provide statutory authority for the programme, establishing a framework aimed at developing the physical, technical, and intellectual capabilities of young people entering the workforce.