The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has granted permission to 91 students under the age of 18 to deliver sermons and lead prayers.
The students completed the Young Khatib Training Programme, which provides training in delivering sermons, leading prayers and other aspects of Islamic religious practice.
The programme is aimed at students in grades 10, 11 and 12, as well as young school leavers.
A ceremony was held today to award certificates to participants in the fifth round of the programme. A total of 296 students have now completed the training, with 91 receiving permission to serve as young khatibs today.
The five rounds of the programme are:
- First round (Male'): 75 students
- Second round (Male'): 177 students
- Third round (Addu City): 18 students
- Fourth round (Maamigili): 26 students
- Fifth round (Male'): 91 students
The government aims to train 1,000 khatibs during its current term.
Islamic minister Dr Shaheem Ali Saeed has previously said he is confident the target will be achieved.
