The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has launched the third round of its Young Khateeb training programme, beginning with candidate interviews held on Wednesday.

According to the Ministry, a total of 338 students have applied across all three rounds of the programme, with 269 qualifying for participation. Students who pass the current round of interviews will receive specialised training from local Islamic scholars before being awarded their certificates.

The initiative targets students in Grades 10, 11, and 12, providing them with the necessary skills to lead Friday prayers and perform other religious duties. Training includes sermon delivery, leading prayers, and foundational religious knowledge.

The programme, designed and conducted by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, has been well received among youth across the country. It has also proven valuable to island councils facing a shortage of qualified Khateebs.

In its first round, 250 students were successfully trained and certified as young Khateebs. The Government has set a target of training 1,000 young Khateebs during the current term.