Maldives: Enhancing Employability and Resilience of Youth (MEERY) Project

MEERY project is an initiative implemented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour, & Skills Development, the Ministry of Economic Development & Trade and the World Bank. The objective of the project is to improve the relevance of technical and vocational skills and foster entrepreneurship to promote youth employment in priority sectors.

A MESSAGE FROM MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION, LABOUR AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

DR. ALI HAIDAR AHMED

As the Minister of Higher Education, Labour, and Skills Development, it is my privilege to reflect on the progress and impact of the Maldives: Enhancing Employability and Resilience of Youth (MEERY) Project. This initiative represents a significant step forward in equipping young Maldivians with the skills and opportunities needed for a resilient future. 

The MEERY Project is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. This is a five-year initiative designed to address skill gaps in the job market, funded by the World Bank. The project prioritizes Tourism, Tourism-related Construction, Agriculture and ICT sectors. 

By promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and entrepreneurship, the project aims to reduce the Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) rate among Maldivian youth. Through this initiative, we aspire to nurture an independent and proactive generation, fully prepared to contribute to education and labour sector. By working closely with relevant stakeholders and private sector, MEERY project ensures that young people receive practical industry demanded skills that lead to meaningful employment opportunities. 

A key pillar of the MEERY Project is its commitment to gender equality in the workforce. By fostering greater economic participation among women, we take meaningful strides towards building an inclusive and prosperous society where everyone, regardless of gender has equal access to opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential. 

Furthermore, the MEERY Project directly supports national development by aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting education, decent work, gender equality, and economic growth, the project plays a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. The project focuses on equipping youth through specialized training programs, MEERY helps young individuals develop the skills needed to succeed in a dynamic job market. 

As the MEERY Project enters its final phase, it presents unparalleled opportunities for the youth of the Maldives. I strongly encourage young individuals to take advantage of these programs, engage with the industry, and embrace the skills that will shape their careers and futures. 

Beyond youth, I also call on employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to continue supporting this initiative. Together, we can build a workforce that is skilled, adaptable, and resilient. One that will drive national development for years to come. 

Featured News

Community-Based Training (CBT)
CBT program in Electrical maintenance, Fashion designing, and Refrigeration & Air conditioning.
The National Assessor Training Plan: A Key to Workforce Development
The Maldives National Skills Development Authority (MNSDA), in collaboration with the Maldives Enhancing Employability and Resilience of Youth (MEERY) Project, has launched the National Assessor Training Plan on 09 December 2024—a targeted initiative aimed at fostering a skilled and self-reliant workforce across the Maldives.
MEERY Project team met with the AA. Bodufolhudhoo Council
To discuss collaboration opportunities and address current concerns, and explore ways to enhance employability for the community.
Awareness session was held in AA. Bodufolhudhoo
Highlighting career development opportunities and personal growth.

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Inspiring Success Stories

Meet the women behind Anbalange

Meet the women behind Anbalange: An inspiring true story of 5 creative women

In 2021 Shadhya Adeel Jaleel (Shadhy) the founder of the Anbalange enterprise applied for the first jewelry design course introduced by the Maldives at the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education under the Skills for a Resilient Workforce Program, a program funded by the MEERY Project. View the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/anbalange

Hilal Agil, Founder and President of The Eco Org.

Hilal Agil is the Founder and President of The Eco Org. He previously served as CEO of technology companies in London and Silicon Valley. Hilal is also the guitarist of the Maldivian heavy Metal band Nothnegal and was awarded the National Youth Award by the president of the Maldives for his outstanding contributions to performing arts. Hilal studied Engineering and specialized in Data Science - Artificial Intelligence from the University of Oxford. “Never be scared to tell people about your imagination. Most people won’t understand it, but the few people who do, will be the ones who would help you turn it into reality.”

Hassan Saeed- Resort Manager of Dhigali Maldives

I have been working since I was 14 years old. I have had many wonderful mentors help and guide me through this long journey of learning, discovery and building relationships. Perhaps, the most important lesson that I learnt in life is that our lives and careers are not straight or linear. It is instead regularly punctuated with zigzags, falls and low moments, during which we need a lot of courage, mental strength, spirituality and a strong sense of community and belonging to pick ourselves up and continue. My advice to those starting careers in hospitality is, regardless of their educational qualification at the time of joining, to start with entry level jobs and work their way up. Remember that altruism, prosocial behavior and self-control/resisting impulsive decisions and not looking for instant gratification in every situation, can open many doors.

Raidha shafeeg | FASHION DESIGNER

Raidha shafeeg | FASHION DESIGNER

Raidha shafeeg | FASHION DESIGNER Raidha’s Maldives is Maldives based fashion labeled founded in 2015 by Raidha Shafeeg. Making it the trendiest and rising fashion brand in operation today. Message to the Youth in Maldives. Always believe and have faith in yourself and strength and if you can accomplish that then you can succeed in anything. In Maldives, it’s a time where woman need to stick up and speak up for one another wherever there’s in equality, harassment, body shaming any other forms of act because I believe that’s where the gateway of bullying opens. Together we all can work towards building a strengthened and ambitious work ethic environment that empowers women in business and the younger generations.

MEERY project

by Ministry of Higher Education