346 students complete National Service training

The Maldives National Service, which was introduced by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to build up ethically good youth who can serve, has seen its first batch of 346 students graduate.

The students trained at MNDF's Lh. Maafilaafushi Composite Training Center, with them graduating at a ceremony held on the island. Minister of Defense Ghassan Maumoon and Higher Education Minister Dr. Ali Haidar and Social and Family Minister Dr. Aishath Shiham attended the ceremony.

The mission statement and the Passing Out Parade took place during graduation.

The first batch of trainees for National Service left for training in October, with Maafilaafushi National Service Training Center Chief Instructor Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Shafeeu presenting the report during the ceremony. He stated that 350 students from 108 islands took part in the training, with the split being 64 women and 286 men. The average age of the students is 18 years old.

As per Shafeeu, the subjects taught during training are Maldivian Nationalism, Responsible Citizenship, Language Proficiency, Leadership, Islamic Studies, Physical Training, Watermanship Drill, First Aid, Fire Fighting, Self Defense and Camp Activities.

Military lecturers and relevant ministry individuals went to teach the trainees, said Shafeeu.

There were 346 graduates from the 350 students who took part in training. Graduates had received a qualification as well. Graduates who met the required standard also received Certificate III in Civic Education and Leadership.

Shafeeu stated that 96 percent of the students who took part received the certificate.

During the ceremony to inaugurate National Service at Maafilaafushi, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu emphasized the importance of the National Service in building a strong and dedicated generation. He said that national development cannot be achieved without investing in the youth.

The President said that he wants the students to believe that the training is an important and valuable opportunity.

"Hopefully, by the time you complete this and move to the second phase, you will become the kind of individuals both the country and you yourselves hope for, ready and empowered to serve the nation even more effectively," said the President.

President Muizzu added that building youth who are loyal to their country and faith is more important than constructing even a 50-storey building, calling this initiative a historic step for the Maldives.