Youth and Sports 

As new government directive over the last couple of couples, each island has to have a Youth Development program, which usually always includes the provision of sports!  There is a very young Maldivian population now, and with many of the work available mainly on the tourist islands, there is a definite need to develop the youth and inspire them to take on new ideas and initiatives within their own home islands – particularly the ladies…. They still mainly take on more traditional roles within families, whilst the men of the family go to work on the resorts.

This can cause inevitable strain though, as many tourist island employees only get to take a months’ leave once a year.  To develop and train new skills and encourage team building is a valuable part of learning, and the youngsters on the island are always very receptive to new ideas and programs that will enhance their development.

Some Volunteer placements will be within the schools, as PE teachers and have established programs to follow. Other placements will be working with NGO’s on the island, who will put ideas together – but volunteers will also need to be proactive and have a flexible approach – sometimes the islanders are too shy and don’t want to ask too much of their volunteers so you’ll need to be proactive!