BML Grant Funds New Digital and Vocational Hub for Eydhafushi Youth

Students at the Baa Atoll Education Centre now have access to expanded technical resources following the opening of a new Digital Studio and a revitalized Vocational Training Lab. The initiative, led by the Foundation of Eydhafushi Youth Linkage (FEYLI), aims to bridge the gap between traditional schooling and practical employability. Funded by the Bank of Maldives (BML) through its annual Bank Fund grant, the project provides students with hands-on experience in both creative media and technical trades. The newly established Digital Studio serves as a professional-grade creative suite, complete with digital cameras and a full production setup. This facility will host structured training in photography, videography, and digital content creation, fostering a new generation of media professionals within the atoll. Parallel to the digital upgrades, the existing Vocational Training Lab has undergone a significant overhaul to support traditional crafts. The carpentry section has been modernized with a comprehensive array of hand tools, battery-powered electric equipment, and essential safety gear. Additionally, a new tailoring section has been launched, equipped with sewing machines and materials to facilitate garment-making education. To ensure the sustainability of these facilities, FEYLI plans to implement specialized training programmes for both the digital and vocational disciplines. By integrating these skills into the local educational landscape, the hub seeks to empower youth with versatile toolkits for the modern job market. FEYLI secured this development through the BML Bank Fund, a community-focused initiative that provides grants of USD 12,970 to registered NGOs. The fund specifically targets projects that deliver tangible, long-term benefits to local communities across the Maldives, supporting grassroots development in outlying atolls.