Official function held to mark National Youth Day

He remarked that Youth Ministry was previously a small government body, doing little work. However, under this administration, Minister Mahloof said that Youth Ministry is the body running the second most number of projects.

Youth Minister Ahmed Mahloof launches Youth Ministry's official website.

Ahmed Ahnaf, from National Youth Volunteer Program.

Ibrahim Shareef, in the area of vocational training.

Ali Rasheed, in the field of agriculture.

Afir Mohamed, in the field of counter-narcotics.

Afir who has previously abused drugs recovered from addiction and began working in 2018 to help addicts recover.

Abdulla Shafeeu, in the field of arts.

He has been working as a graphics designer for 11 years, having taken on major local and foreign projects. He has also designed the logos of many media outlets, companies and events.

Ali Amir, in the area of Dhivehi language and culture

Abdulla Shahuneez, in the area of youth empowerment.

Shahuneez has been carrying out voluntary work with respect to youth empowerment for nine years.

Firasha Ahmed, in the area of humanitarian work.

She has been doing humanitarian work since 2012, and has been a part of Maldives Girl Guides Association.

Neesha Haleem, in the area of sports.

Neesha has won the 'Best Female Coach' award in this year's Sports Awards. She entered the sports arena as a netball player in 1995, and since then has become a netball coach.

Mohamed Jailam, in the area of business and economy.

Next on the agenda in the ceremony is the presentation of awards for youths who have excelled in different areas.

Actions that can be taken to reduce crime rates amongst youth as per the research include conducting good quality rehabilitation programs, conducting various skills learning programs, ease of access to mental health care.

Mental wellness amongst youths in comparison to other age groups is worse, as per the research.

Participants of the research feel that there are fewer opportunities for youths to rehabilitate - whereas existing opportunities are not ideal.

An overlook of criminal offenses committed by youths shows that many violate traffic regulations. Research shows that youths also abuse drugs, and participate in violence.

The research shows that enforcement authorities work well. However, it states that obstructions faced by the enforcement authorities in discharging their duties adversely impact the connections they have formed with the society,

Youths who participated in the research stress lack of opportunities to pursue higher education, and sports within atolls which results in youths having a lot of free time amongst other difficulties.

Dr. Shehenaaz states that participants of the research believe that the current administration has undertaken significant efforts to facilitate employment opportunities, sports and other facilities for youths.

However, the participants believe that these services must be expanded, and catered to the requirements of particular islands.

Dr. Shehenaaz said that the research show participation of 55 percent men, and 45 percent women.

Presenting the contents of the report, MNU's Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaaz Adam said that the research was conducted by a nine-member team from the University, which is aimed at identifying reasons why youths commit criminal offenses, and actions that can be taken to prevent youths from committing criminal offenses.

A report following a research conducted on the current circumstances of youths by the Youth Ministry in collaboration with Maldives National University (MNU) has been launched at the ceremony. The report was launched by Vice President Faisal Naseem.

A total of 390 youths have been provided counseling this year - with multiple programs being conducted to improve health among youths.

Maldives National Institute has trained 120 youths so far this year

Video report presented at the ceremony stated that apprenticeship programs to prepare for work environment have been conducted for 481 youths this year.

The official function held to mark the National Youth Day has commenced at Social Centre in Male' City. The function is officiated by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Vice President Faisal Naseem and cabinet ministers are in attendance as well.