A total of 77 youths who completed the second batch of the Maldives National Service have departed to undertake technical training at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) School of Engineering and Logistics in Baa Kihadhoo.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the development in a post on X, describing the programme as a key Government initiative aimed at developing self-reliant, responsible and patriotic citizens who are physically and spiritually strong.

The President said the group comprises youths aged between 16 and 19 from 50 islands across 17 atolls. The participants were selected from among those who completed the second batch of the Maldives National Service and expressed interest in pursuing vocational training.

The programme forms part of the Administration's efforts to empower young people and equip them with the skills, discipline and work ethic required for national development. The President has previously described national service training as one of the key pillars of the government's human development policy.

The vocational training programme follows the completion of the first batch of technical training, from which 63 participants graduated. Over a four-month period, trainees received instruction in six fields: electrical engineering, automobile engineering, marine engineering, refrigeration and air-conditioning, office management, and building and fabrication.

The second batch of the Maldives National Service, comprising 344 participants, graduated in May.