Maldives’ Largest Vocational Center Rebranded as MNDF Base After Years of Neglect

The Maldives’ largest vocational training center, established in Kihaadhoo island of Baa atoll, has officially been converted into a base for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The facility, originally developed by a private Maldivian company at a cost of USD four million, spans over 23,500 square feet and was once a hub for technical and vocational education. However, it fell into neglect due to the absence of a managing authority, prompting its repurposing. The Ministry of Defence announced that the first round of technical training under the National Service Program will now be conducted at the newly designated Kihaadhoo military facility. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has formally designated the center as a military training installation. As part of the transition, 66 youths who completed the National Service Program arrived in Kihaadhoo to commence advanced training. Kihaadhoo Council President Hussain Shafiu highlighted the center’s historical significance, noting its importance to the island’s economy and its former employment of 40 local residents. The facility’s closure in early 2024 left many jobless, but its revival as a military base is seen as a positive development for the community.