The second batch of recruits under the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) National Service programme has left for Baa Kihaadhoo for technical training.

In a post on X, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said 77 young people from 50 islands across 17 atolls left for the MNDF School of Engineering and Logistics in Kihaadhoo today. The participants are aged between 16 and 19.

He said the trainees will have the opportunity to complete training in six different technical fields.

Young people aged between 16 and 28 are eligible to apply for the National Service programme. Those under 18 may participate with parental consent and subject to health clearance.

The government provides each participant with an allowance of MVR 6,000 per month during the training period.

The first intake of the National Service programme, which began last October, enrolled around 350 participants. A second intake, launched in late January, also brought in a further 350 young people.

The government aims to have an additional 1,000 participants complete the programme this year.