Over 300 youth have left today for training as part of the fourth batch of the National Service programme. 

The Defence Ministry said that 351 recruits from 126 islands will be participating in the three month training course at the Lh. Maafilaafushi training centre. This includes 287 men and 64 women. 

On completion of this training, participants will receive Certificate 3 in Civic Education and Leadership, Community Volunteer Fire Fighter Certificate, Basic First Aid Certificate and Peer Education Training Completion Certificate. 

The recruits are provided a monthly allowance of MVR 6000 during the training period. 

The National Service programme, targeted at youth aged between 16 and 28, was launched in October last year. 

Yesterday, the third batch left to B. Kihaadhoo for technical training after having completed the basic training programme. 

The government aims to train an additional 1000 youth before the end of the year.