Minister Outlines Atoll Training Strategy to Curb Youth Migration

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu has announced plans to expand vocational training, sports official certification programmes and regional youth hubs across the outer atolls to create local employment opportunities and reduce youth migration to the capital.

Speaking at last night’s Ahaa forum, addressing concerns regarding young people relocating to Malé due to limited employment opportunities in their home islands, Minister Rafiu stated that the Ministry is prioritising local youth empowerment through targeted skill development. He explained that training programs are aligned with local island economies, offering technical courses in air conditioning maintenance and electrical work alongside resort-tailored job preparation to help youth earn livelihoods directly within their native communities. 

advertisement

advertisement

“In some islands, we have conducted air conditioning maintenance training, and youth are now working independently to earn an income,” Rafiu remarked. “Electrician courses and similar practical skills are being rolled out based on what can be actively carried out in specific islands.”

Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the Minister emphasised the reach of the government’s skill development efforts. “Over 208 programs have been conducted under the National Apprenticeship Programme, with more than 2,000 young people educated, and a large number of youth have already secured jobs through this”, he said.

In addition to technical trades, the Ministry is heavily investing in sports development by training local referees, coaches, and match officials, eliminating the reliance on flying officials from the capital for island tournaments. “Where we previously had to bring referees constantly from Malé for local tournaments, we now see certified officials travelling from atoll to atoll,” Rafiu noted. “This means we have expanded the number of referees, coaches, and officials who are now earning good money by offering their services across different islands.”

To institutionalise youth services outside Malé, the government is extending physical infrastructure through partnerships with national universities and colleges. While activities remain ongoing at the Malé Youth Hub, Minister Rafiu confirmed that work is underway in Addu and Thinadhoo to establish similar youth hubs, while work in remaining designated cities is currently in the starting phases.

Reaffirming the administration’s long-term goal, the minister pledged that these training programs will continue without stopping, ensuring that young people across different regions of the country gain access to employment opportunities and pathways to start their own businesses.