News Desk
The country’s national service programme is presented as a special initiative of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, designed to build a strong young generation through structured training and education. The programme aims to strengthen pride in national identity, deepen Islamic values among youth and prepare young people to stand with determination in the face of major threats or disasters. It also seeks to shape Maldivian youth who work together in unity, show good character and remain respectful and tolerant in both action and speech.
The third round of applications for the Maldives National Service opened yesterday, marking another step in the President’s effort to shape a disciplined, patriotic and morally grounded young generation. The programme has become one of the administration’s most visible youth‑focused initiatives, blending physical training, religious awareness and civic instruction under a single national framework.
The Ministry of Defence announced that applications are open to all Maldivians aged 16 to 28. Those under 18 may join with the consent of a parent or legal guardian, provided they meet health requirements. The next three‑month training cycle is scheduled to begin in the final week of May at the MNDF Composite Training Centre in Maafilaafushi.
Interest in the programme has grown quickly. The first batch enrolled 350 students, with 346 completing the training last December. A second batch of 350 trainees began their programme in January. Officials say nearly 900 young people applied even before the government began formal promotion, which the President sees as a sign of strong public demand.
At the heart of the initiative is a message the President has repeated across several national platforms: the country’s long‑term development depends on building a strong, principled and capable young generation. Speaking at the inauguration, he said that “full development can be achieved by building a strong young generation,” adding that nurturing youth who love their country and Islam is “more important than major construction works.”
The programme’s mission is broad but clearly defined. It aims to strengthen pride in national identity, reinforce Islamic values and prepare citizens who can stand firm in the face of national threats or disasters. It also seeks to support recruitment for the security services, build unity and good character, and develop young people who are spiritually, mentally and physically healthy.
Training covers national identity, responsible citizenship, religious studies, leadership, language proficiency, first aid, firefighting, self‑defence, fitness, swimming, sea familiarisation and field activities. The President has urged participants to see the programme as an opportunity to “brighten their future” and emerge as young people with character, patriotism and a strong grounding in their faith.
Teachers and instructors have been given a central role in shaping the programme’s identity. In a meeting at Bandarakoshi, the President and the Chief of Army Staff asked them to work with “discretion and wisdom” as they guide the first cohorts through the new national initiative. He called on them to train youth to be grounded in their faith, take pride in being Maldivian, be useful to the country and uphold good morals and behaviour.
| “ | It is the responsibility of the State — and in particular, the responsibility of the Government — to protect our youth and children from drugs, violence, gang crime, and other destructive influences, and to guide them towards becoming productive, responsible citizens. The future direction of this beloved nation will be shaped by the strength, discipline, and values of today’s youth. Therefore, youth development remains one of our highest priorities. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu | Presidential Address 2026 |
The President has also linked the Maldives National Service to his wider youth policy, outlined during Victory Day last year and again at the “Forward with the People – Week 104” ceremony marking two years of his administration. He said the government aims to solve social problems “at their root,” particularly drug abuse and gang crime, by mainstreaming youth through rehabilitation, reintegration and meaningful opportunities.
He urged young people involved in drugs or gangs to “turn away” and reclaim their lives, emphasising that the state is expanding pathways for education, training and employment. Alongside the national service programme, he highlighted the National Apprenticeship Programme, the Community Upskilling Programme and various financial assistance schemes.
Sports and health are also part of the broader vision. The President has spoken of building well‑developed athletes, with work underway to establish fitness and recreation centres in every island. He announced salary increases for athletes and officials, health insurance for national team players and plans for a high‑performance centre in the Maldives this year.
For the administration, the Maldives National Service is more than a training course. It is a long‑term project to shape the country’s future citizens. The President has described it as a “very special nation‑centred project” designed to build a hardworking, moral and resilient young generation. As the third round of applications opens, officials expect interest to continue rising, driven by parents who want structure and discipline for their children and by youth seeking purpose, skills and a sense of belonging.
The coming months will show how the programme evolves as more batches pass through Maafilaafushi. For now, the government is positioning it as a cornerstone of its youth agenda, blending national identity, religious grounding and practical skills into a single pathway for the next generation.
