A total of 341 students have officially graduated after completing their basic training as part of the third batch of the National Service programme.
The graduation ceremony, which featured a traditional oath-taking ceremony and a prestigious guard of honour parade, was held at the MNDF Composite Training Center in Maafilaafushi, Laamu Atoll and was honoured by the Minister of Defence and National Service, Hassan Rasheed.
The rigorous 15-week training programme began on 17 May, drawing 352 cadets representing 112 islands from across the Maldives. Of those initial recruits, 341 successfully met all requirements to graduate, comprising 279 male and 62 female students.
As a testament to their diverse training, the graduates were awarded multiple credentials, including a Certificate of Completion, a Certificate 3 in Civil Education and Leadership, a Community Volunteer Firefighter Certificate, a Basic First Aid Certificate, and a Certificate of Completion for the Peer Education Training Program.
Selected graduates will have the opportunity to undergo advanced technical programme training at the Technical and Vocational Center in Kihaadhoo, Baa Atoll. Recruitment preparations are already moving forward, with the selection process for the fourth batch of the National Service program now complete.
The National Service programme is a landmark initiative launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, designed to shape the future of the nation’s youth by reviving national spirit and Islamic ethics. Aimed at fostering patriotism, national pride, love for Islam, and a commitment to public service, the programme has previously graduated two cohorts of 344 students each.
During the intensive 15-week curriculum, students received instruction in Maldivian nationalism, responsible citizenship, religious education, leadership, and language proficiency. In addition to academic and civic learning, the programme emphasised physical fitness, discipline through drill activities, and practical life-saving skills, including training in first aid, firefighting, self-defense, camping, and an introduction to military exercises.