The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that 283 young people have applied so far to participate in the third round of Young Khatheeb Training Programme.
The Young Khatheeb Training Programme was initiated by Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, on the advise and recommendation of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The programme is aimed at students in grades 10, 11 and 12 and recent school graduates, with the goal of enabling them to lead Friday prayers.
The programme aims to address the shortage of imams in several islands across the Maldives. The programme also seeks to cultivate and instill in young people interest in becoming imams, delivering sermons, and fostering a deeper love for Islam.
Two previous rounds of the Young Khatheeb Training Programme have been conducted so far. While the opportunity to participate in the third programme is now open, with the application deadline set for 10 May, Islamic Minister Shaheem revealed in a social media post that 283 youths have applied for the programme so far. The programme is receiving a strong response, and the aim is to produce 1,000 young khatheebs during the current presidential term, he said.