A total of 77 youths who completed the second batch of the Maldives National Service have departed to begin technical training at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) School of Engineering and Logistics in Baa Kihadhoo.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the development on X, describing the programme as a key government initiative aimed at developing self-reliant, responsible and patriotic citizens.

The participants, aged between 16 and 19, come from 50 islands across 17 atolls. They were selected from among graduates of the second batch of the Maldives National Service who expressed interest in vocational training.

The programme is part of the government's efforts to equip young people with practical skills, discipline and a strong work ethic to support national development.

The training follows the completion of the first batch of the programme, from which 63 participants graduated after receiving instruction in six fields, including electrical engineering, automobile engineering, marine engineering, refrigeration and air-conditioning, office management, and building and fabrication.

The second batch of the Maldives National Service, which included 344 participants, graduated in May.