Gov't aim to provide opportunities to 25,000 more students by the end of 2023

The current administration is determined to provide even more study and training opportunities to at least 25,000 students by the end of 2023, states Vice President Faisal Naseem.

VP Naseem made the statement at the inauguration ceremony of Peer Educator Training of Trainers program, held on Thursday.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice President highlighted that the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih believes that one of the most effective ways to increase the welfare of the youth is to provide opportunities for them to obtain a quality education. Stating that this administration has provided free higher education to the undergraduate level, numerous scholarships and grants for overseas studies, VP Naseem stated that the administration is determined to provide even more opportunities to at least 25,000 students by the end of 2023.

Reiterating that education paves the way for greater achievements , VP Naseem stated that this enables youth to live up to their own dreams and ambitions, which will in-turn help them to fulfil the dreams of our nation, of building a more prosperous and happier society, the Vice President noted that this is why the government is expanding vocational training and human development opportunities for the youth.

VP Naseem in his remarks, highlighted that a significant portion of our population consists of youth, with more than forty-three percent of our total population falling between the ages of 18 and 35. He stated that the current administration understands the importance of providing ample opportunities and guidance to the youth to develop themselves and prosper well.

As such, he noted that the government's youth policy is framed towards strengthening the governance framework to respond well to youth issues, enhancing social outcomes for young people and supporting young women and men gain economic empowerment.

Additionally, the VP stated that the consequences of the challenges the country is facing now because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine conflict, will be felt by all of us, including the youth. He noted that it is important that we adapt our lifestyles in such a way where we are better able to absorb these shocks and come out of them unscathed, in order to mitigate the effects.

VP Naseem stated that there is also a need more than any other time in the history to prepare resilience and to build a better team for tomorrow. He stated that the goal is to protect our economy, livelihoods and the future of our youth.

Moreover, the Vice President stated that the youngsters will not be able to overcome these challenges without ample guidance, love and support. He stated that the youth, both male and female need to be informed of the opportunities available and guided through them by people they look up to and trust from society. It is even more effective, if those people are their peers, stated the VP.

He stated that this is the reason why programs like Peer Educator Training of Trainers program are important. As such, he noted that the participants of the program have an important role to play, to step out into communities after this training and utilize the skills from it to invigorate change within the communities.

VP Naseem stated that the youth needs kindness and patience to overcome the challenges they face today.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to establish Y-PEER in the Maldives and become a regional Y-PEER member.

This interactive workshop will be held for 10 days. The workshop will see 31 participants, aged between 18 and 30.

They represent nine islands from four atolls and the Greater Malé Area.