President Mohamed Muizzu announced on Saturday that a total of 137 participants from the initial group of the government’s National Service program have completed their military training and joined the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

In a post on X, the President stated that these graduates completed the 72nd Basic Military Training Course, designed for students who were part of the first batch of the 'Vathanee Khidhumath' (National Service) initiative.

He noted that the graduates come from 70 islands across 20 atolls.

"From this training, 137 students representing 70 islands across 20 atolls of the Maldives have successfully graduated," he said.

President Muizzu congratulated those who achieved top ranks during the course and extended his congratulations to those who joined the military after completing the program.

The National Service initiative was launched in October last year to assist school leavers who face difficulties entering employment or continuing their education.

The program aims to equip participants with skills and opportunities to help them integrate into the workforce and contribute to national development.

Over 300 students participated in the first batch of the program, with two batches completed since its inception.

This graduation marks the first group from the National Service program to finish basic military training and join the military service.