Addressing youth unemployment and education in the Maldives

The Maldives has historically prided itself on a high literacy rate. As of 2021, the adult literacy rate stood at an impressive 97.86%, reflecting the country's robust educational policies and commitment to providing quality education for all its citizens. This achievement is particularly notable in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region, where the Maldives' educational standards are among the highest.

Despite these successes, the Maldives is currently grappling with significant challenges. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 19% of the youth population aged 15-24 is either unemployed or uneducated. This translates to approximately 10,414 young people, with a higher proportion of women (22%) affected compared to men (17%).

The overall population of the Maldives is around 515,100, with 300,000 people employed, including 171,130 natives and 126,386 foreigners. These statistics highlight a concerning trend, especially given the country’s historical emphasis on education.

Although it is easy to highlight the fact that the percentage of unemployment, as well as lack of motivation to get an education, is increasing in the country, there are several factors which often contribute to this growing trend in the country. In addition to the general difficulty in getting employed, even after acquiring a degree due to corruption, some other common factors contributing to this troubling situation includes: 

1. Job market saturation: The Maldives' economy, heavily reliant on tourism, has not diversified sufficiently to absorb the growing number of educated youths. Many graduates find themselves without relevant job opportunities, leading to frustration and unemployment. Although the Maldives has a growing agriculture and fisheries sector, there is a lack of diversity in jobs in such sectors as well. 

2. High cost of living: The rising cost of living, particularly in urban areas like Malé, discourages many from seeking low-paying jobs, leading to a lack of incentive to work. This economic pressure is especially hard on young people who might otherwise take up entry-level positions to gain experience. With the high cost of living, people are often motivated to move to an island and start working remote online jobs rather than working several jobs to afford housing. 

3. Job security and quality: Even for those who find employment, job security remains a significant issue. Many positions, especially in the private sector, do not offer stable, long-term employment, making it difficult for young people to plan their futures and invest in further education.

4. Educational mismatches: There is also a growing mismatch between the education provided and the skills demanded by the job market. While the education system is robust, it often fails to equip students with practical skills and vocational training that are crucial for many available jobs.

Although Maldives has enjoyed being one of the countries with a high literacy rate, it is becoming evident that some action needs to be taken to incentivize the youth to continue their education as well as get a job afterwards. In order to reduce the percentage of uneducated and unemployed youth in the Maldives, the government and private sector must work together to diversify the economy beyond tourism, creating new industries and job opportunities. Additionally, education curricula need to be updated to include vocational training and practical skills that align more closely with job market demands while also investing in rural infrastructure and providing incentives for businesses to operate in these areas to help bridge the rural-urban divide.