63 Young Maldivians Graduate from First National Service Technical Training Batch

Sixty-three participants have graduated from the inaugural batch of the National Service Technical Training Programme, marking a significant milestone in the government's effort to bolster the nation's skilled workforce. The graduation ceremony took place at the School of Engineering and Logistics in Kihaadhoo, Baa Atoll, following a rigorous four-month intensive training period. Selected from a larger group of initial trainees, the graduates represent 35 islands across 15 atolls. The comprehensive curriculum spanned six critical technical disciplines: Electrician training, Automobile Engineering, Marine Engineering, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Office Management, and Building and Fabrication. Each graduate earned at least a Level 3 certificate, providing them with recognized professional qualifications to enhance their employment prospects. Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed addressed the cohort, emphasizing that the initiative—a cornerstone of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's administration—aims to cultivate a patriotic and mentally resilient generation. The Minister noted that the programme is designed not only to teach technical skills but to instill values of responsibility, integrity, and civic-mindedness. Minister Rasheed highlighted the real-world impact of this training by citing a recent emergency involving a speedboat carrying female students who had trained in Maafilaafushi. He reported that the students remained composed and worked collaboratively to manage the crisis until help arrived, proving that the programme effectively develops both practical competencies and character. The graduation follows the completion of the first round of basic National Service training on December 28, where 344 participants finished their foundational instruction. While 63 from that group pursued this technical specialization, the program is already expanding. Following the conclusion of a second round of basic training—which saw 343 successful completions—another 80 participants have been selected to begin their own technical training, ensuring the initiative's continued growth and impact on Maldivian youth.