Vice President Faisal Naseem has tonight stated that private educational institutions and educators should pay special attention to ensure that they are training Maldivian youth to fill high-level jobs in the tourism sector. He made this statement while speaking at the Villa College Student Achievement Awards, held at Villa College QI Campus. The Vice President stated that there are often complaints regarding top tourism jobs being held by foreign workers, reiterating that training capable and proficient younger generations for those jobs is a necessity, as tourism is our main economic industry.
Addressing the award winners at tonight's ceremony, Vice President Faisal Naseem extended his heartfelt congratulations to the winners and further extended his gratitude and praise to all those around the students who helped them achieve these honours. Underscoring that success always comes with the support and assistance of those who surround us, he stated that he was happy to see students of all ages winning awards tonight as it displays Maldivians' lifelong love for education and scholarship.
Speaking further, the Vice President congratulated Villa College on its exponential growth, from humble beginnings at its inception to an internationally recognised educational institution. Stating that education is a national service, preparing future generations to take over nation-building, he emphasised that creating educated and capable youth remains one of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's key priorities. He highlighted government initiatives in this endeavour, including the free first degree scheme, education loan schemes and presidential scholarships.
Vice President Faisal Naseem also noted that with the variety of urban development and infrastructure projects initiated by the government in inhabited islands across the nation, there is an increase in the demand for a technically skilled workforce. Listing the many opportunities open now for Maldivians with the new developments, the Vice President strongly urged Maldivian youth to make good use of the opportunities provided to them and to train and engage in technical vocations.
Concluding his statement, the Vice President once again thanked all private education institutions, especially Villa College, for their work in helping to develop the nation. He also said that he hopes to see even more decentralised educational facilities in the Maldives in the future.
Vice President Faisal Naseem conferred the Gasim Ibrahim Award for Excellence to 8 individuals at tonight's event. Students from Villa College received several awards at tonight's ceremony including the Villa College Book Prize, the Medal and Industry Prize and the Gasim Ibrahim Award for Excellence.
The Vice President was joined at tonight's event by the Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services, Aishath Mohamed Didi, the Minister of Tourism, Dr Abdulla Mausoom, the Special Advisor on Social Policy at the President's Office, Dr Mustafa Lutfi, and senior officials from government agencies and Villa College.
