350 Participants Graduate from Second National Service Programme Batch

Three hundred and fifty participants of the second batch of the National Service Programme graduated today during a special ceremony held in Lhaviyani Atoll, Maafilaafushi.

The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed, who oversaw the administration of the pledge taken by students completing the National Service training, along with the graduation parade.

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According to officials, the second training course included 350 students from 112 islands across the Maldives. Among the graduates were 64 female students and 286 male students.

Addressing the graduates, Hassan said members of the military carry out their duties prepared to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to achieve the mission’s greater objective.

The minister referred to the death of Staff Sergeant Mohamed Mahudhee, who died yesterday during an operation to search for Italian divers who went missing inside a 60-metre-deep cave after diving near Vaavu Alimathaa on Thursday.

Hassan said he had personally observed Mahudhee’s courage since assuming office earlier this month and added that such bravery reflects the character of military personnel.

“This is the nature of military life. Military personnel face duties for the higher purpose of accomplishing the mission. It is something that must always be seen from them, to show that their determination will not weaken in upholding the oath they have taken,” the minister said.

“What we saw yesterday as well was that service, that dedication. During work carried out with that determination, the person I mentioned [Mahudhee] departed from us.”

Before the ceremony began, attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of Mahudhee.

The minister also said every Maldivian child should grow into someone willing to make sacrifices for the rights and interests of the country.

Speaking further, Hassan noted that more than 1,700 young people applied for the second intake of the National Service Programme, which he said demonstrated significant interest among Maldivian youth.

He announced that two additional batches of 350 participants each will be conducted this year.

Hassan also said that 63 participants from the first training batch are scheduled to graduate later this month in Baa Atoll, Kihaadhoo, across six different fields.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the National Service Programme in 2024 for young people aged between 16 and 28.

During the first intake opened in April last year, 1,244 youths participated in the programme, with 346 participants graduating.