Maldives launches nationwide language training to boost youth employment
Free courses in six foreign languages aim to equip Maldivian youth for global tourism, diplomacy, and service sectors
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Seeking to strengthen its global workforce and reduce dependence on foreign labor, the Maldives has launched a nationwide language education initiative offering free courses to young citizens.
The program — jointly implemented by the Maldives National University (MNU) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development — aims to prepare a new generation of multilingual professionals for careers in tourism, aviation, and international business.
The first phase will provide free instruction to 425 students in Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Arabic, and Italian. Funded entirely by the government, the initiative ensures that students from low-income families can participate without financial barriers.
Officials said the project fulfills a presidential pledge to establish regional language centers across the archipelago, expanding educational access beyond the capital, Malé.
At the signing ceremony, Higher Education Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed and MNU Vice-Chancellor Aishath Shehenaz Adam described the collaboration as a milestone in the country’s efforts to align education with labor market needs. The event brought together senior university representatives and education policymakers.
University officials emphasized that the program serves dual national goals — enhancing youth employability and diversifying skill development outside the tourism hubs. Multilingual proficiency, they noted, will help Maldivians compete internationally and strengthen service quality in sectors that rely on global clientele.
With millions of visitors arriving annually from countries such as China, France, Germany, and the Arab world, the program is expected to improve communication and professional standards in resorts, airports, and customer service roles. It may also open new opportunities in translation, education, and international cooperation.
MNU called the initiative a “strategic investment in human capital,” saying it reflects the government’s vision for an inclusive, globally competitive education system.
By removing cost barriers and decentralizing access, the program represents a key step toward building a skilled, multilingual workforce positioned to thrive in a globalized economy.
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