Youth our asset

Youth, comprising a large percentage of Maldives population, plays an essential role in the development and productivity of the nation. The sheer energy they posses and their undeniable  ability for its application makes them a vastly valuable asset.

The small country of ours; the Maldives, also consist of a substantial youth population. And it is delightful to note that, they are already a vital asset to the nation.  The youth of this nation are already involved in social, economic, and health issues as well as many more important area.

The number of adolescents and  youth in the Maldives is rapidly approaching 40% of the total population.With this rapid increase in the youth population its is imperative that the country match this growth with its capacity to engage its young people in economically and socially productive way.

Research suggests that all young people need to fulfill their four basic human social needs

• Security (Structure)
• Autonomy (Power and Influence)
• Achievement (Competence, Mastery)
• Affiliation (Belonging, Membership)

When youth aren’t provided with the opportunity to satisfy these needs positively (through school, family-life, employment, membership in sports/recreational organizations or faith-based institutions), they often turn to negative or destructive avenues: For example, street-gang membership, drug culture and criminal affiliation can satisfy all four of these elements, placing young people at risk for a host of negative outcomes. Therefore, organizations, programs, and institutions that can provide a healthy and productive means of achieving these competencies are likely to prevent youth from engaging in risky or detrimental behavior.