The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts has announced that the Community Upskilling Programme (CUP) will offer courses made for the specific demands of each island in the Maldives. These courses will be conducted collaboratively by the ministry and the local Island Councils.
The goal of the CUP is to provide opportunities for residents of local islands to acquire technical skills in various fields without needing to leave their islands. Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, Mohamed Aseel, stated that the programme aims to align training with the income generation opportunities available on each island. While similar opportunities were previously available only in Male' City, he said that the initiative will cater to the unique economic activities of the islands.
Additionally, Deputy Minister Aseel highlighted that the CUP will offer National Certificate Level 3 courses, focusing on areas critical to the local economy of each island. He said that the ministry will oversee the planning and implementation of these courses, with the government covering the fees. Upon completion, he said that the programme will facilitate employment and income-generating opportunities for participants.
Consultant Ahmed Nisham has said that local councils interested in implementing the CUP are encouraged to apply. He said that the ministry will identify the most beneficial areas for each island and provide the necessary support. He also said that the primary objective of the courses is to impart practical skills rather than just theoretical knowledge.
A total of 171 individuals have completed the CUP, and 46 more are currently undergoing training. The ministry plans to extend the programme to an additional 300 participants this year, significantly increasing the number of skilled individuals equipped to generate income. The ministry believes that the CUP will empower the youth and enhance the economic potential of the islands by producing a skilled and capable workforce.