President’s appeal to the youth: Make use of job opportunities available in Maldives

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (C) attends the function to celebrate Youth Day in Kulhudhuffushi City on October 23, 2021. (Photo/President's Office)

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has appealed to the youth to make use of the employment opportunities available in Maldives.

He made the appeal in his speech at the official ceremony to mark Youth Day held in Kulhudhuffushi City on Saturday night.

President Solih said that this year’s Youth Day comes as Maldives needs to think deep about the affairs related to the youth. He said that more effort needs to be made to educate and train youth, increase employment opportunities, and increase their involvement in national development.

“I appeal to the Maldivian youth today is to start making use of the employment opportunities available in Maldives. The youth need to understand you are here to take over leadership of this nation tomorrow. The responsibility of developing Maldives tomorrow lies with today’s youth. We are working to make you are capable of undertaking this national duty when the day comes,” he said.

President Solih said that his administration was engaged in multiple initiatives to empower youth, one of which is the apprentice program launched this year to train and prepare youth for the labor market.

He said that there are currently 19 youth undergoing training with two companies under the program, and that the administration is engaged in discussions with more companies to introduce scholarships for youth.

“There is also an ongoing program to foster the spirit of initiative and leadership in issues of national interest. Total 105 volunteers have enrolled in the national volunteers' program launched this year. 40 of them have completed training and are now engaged in national affairs. Some volunteers have also provided important service to Covid facilities,” he said.

DRUG ABUSE – BIGGEST ISSUE FACING YOUTH

In his speech, President Solih also addressed the increase in drug abuse in Maldives. He said that the lack of access to treatment and rehabilitation services in order to overcome drug addiction and reintegrate back into society remains the greatest challenge facing the youth.

He said that his administration was working on arranging for addicts to receive rehab services from the islands they reside in.

“The administration’s goal is to arrange for people to receive treatment for drug addiction from the island they reside in. We are working on launching wholistic programs for community-based treatment soon,” he said.

President Solih also presented10 young men and women with the Youth Award during Saturday's ceremony.