MDP President and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has stated that a child should be trained in a field of interest without being forced to enter a specific area.

Shahid's statement comes after a decision by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to launch a military training program in the name of National Service for children who have not found a job due to poor results in O Level.

In response, Shahid said the security services can only be developed in line with the times if academically capable youths are also given the opportunity to serve the country. Resources should be provided and opportunities should be increased, he said.

“Children who do not achieve good results in A/L should be given the opportunity to get further training and skills in their field of interest and participate in the development of the country,” he said.

Shahid said the reality of Maldives today is that thousands of youths are applying for jobs in the security services without any compulsion.

The President said at the Victory Day rally on Sunday that a national service program would be launched every year from next year to ensure that children who have not completed O Level and have not been able to get a job will participate in the programme.