Over 350 Youths Depart For Third Batch Of National Service Training

A total of 352 young people selected for the third batch of the Maldives National Service departed for training yesterday.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said 1,785 youths applied for the latest intake of the national service programme. The first group of selected participants has now travelled to Maafilaafushi in Lhaviyani Atoll, where the training is being conducted by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The three-month programme is designed to provide training in nationalism, responsible citizenship, religious values, morals and ethics, as well as leadership, physical fitness and lifestyle skills required for national service.

According to the President, maintaining the patriotic service programme remains one of the government’s key youth development initiatives.

The third batch comprises 64 female participants and 288 male participants from 115 islands across the country. Young people aged between 16 and 28 are eligible to take part in the programme.

The national service programme has continued to attract strong interest from young people. A total of 350 participants joined the first batch, with 346 graduating in December last year. From the second batch, 344 participants completed the programme and graduated in May.

The national patriotic service programme was introduced as a special initiative of President Muizzu’s administration. The government says the programme aims to develop a capable and resilient generation of young people through structured training and education.