A group of Maldivian students from 11 schools will leave for China tomorrow to take part in the China Youth Exchange Program 2025. The program, which will be hosted in Sichuan Province, will run for four days, giving students a chance to experience China’s culture, education, and development up close.
According to the Ministry of Education, the trip was organized by the Chinese Embassy in the Maldives at the ministry’s request. All expenses, including travel and accommodation, are covered by the embassy.
Twelve students have been selected to take part in the program, evenly divided between six female and six male participants. They represent both O’ level and A’ level grades, with seven A’ level students and five O’ level students chosen from schools across the country.
Education Minister Dr. Ismail Shafeeu met the group yesterday to wish them well and highlight the opportunities awaiting them in Sichuan.
During their stay, students will visit several important cultural and educational sites. The program includes trips to museums, the Chengdu Research Panda Base, and participation in local cultural activities.
The itinerary also features visits to the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, a traditional tea-making factory, and the Tonga Group Experience Center. These visits are designed to give students a closer look at China’s industrial growth, cultural heritage, and sustainable development projects.
The Education Ministry emphasized that the trip is more than just sightseeing. Students will gain firsthand knowledge of China’s education system, urban development, and economic advancements.
Highlights of the program include:
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Meeting peers from other countries and building cross-cultural friendships.
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Learning about wildlife and environmental protection at the Panda Base.
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Exploring urban planning projects to spark interest in future careers.
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Observing green energy initiatives at Tonga Group to understand the importance of sustainable energy.
Officials believe this experience will help broaden students’ perspectives and encourage innovative ideas that could benefit the Maldives in the years ahead.
The China Youth Exchange Program reflects growing cooperation between the Maldives and China in the field of education. For the participating students, it is not only a chance to travel abroad but also an opportunity to see a different way of life, build cultural respect, and return home with knowledge that goes beyond textbooks.
As the group prepares to depart, families, educators, and officials share the hope that this journey will leave a lasting impression on the young ambassadors representing the Maldives in China.
