The incumbent administration’s efforts to address and resolve youth-centric issues are bringing positive results, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
He made this remark in his address at the official ceremony held to mark National Youth Day, at the Maldives Centre for Social Education (MCSE) on Sunday.
Taking the podium at the event, President Solih noted that an all-inclusive approach is vital to address the frequency of substance abuse, gang violence as well as crimes among the youth communities.
The president also shed light on the research paper published by the Maldives National University (MNU), titled "Disengagement of Maldivian Youth”.
Further, President Solih also touched on the tactical inter-agency collaborations led by his administration in a bid to battle said issues.
Stressing on the lack of higher education opportunities and jobs, President Solih stated that these are some issues that pave the path of criminal activities, for the youth.
With this being said, President Solih noted that his administration’s initiatives are producing positive outcomes. The said initiatives include the "Free Education Scheme for Degree Students," apprenticeship programmes and job creation through state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
He went on to shed light on the government’s efforts to address mental health issues and illnesses, particularly among youth communities.
The National Youth Day function saw President Solih conferring awards to the 10 recipients of the Youth Awards.
Saturday’s ceremony was attended by First Lady Fazna Ahmed, Vice President Faisal Naseem, senior officials from sports associations as well as members of the Cabinet of Ministers.
VP Naseem launched MNU’s research paper on the state of the nation’s youth during the event.
A summary of the report was presented by Deputy Vice Chancellor of MNU Dr. Aishath Shehnaz.
October 22 was declared as National Youth Day, during 2019. The decision followed recommendations from President Solih’s Cabinet of Ministers who highlighted that the day was significant as the act enabling voting rights for Maldivians above 18 years of age, was passed on October 22.
