A research and outreach visit was conducted across Dhaalu and Faafu Atolls from 24 to 26 September 2026 as part of MNU Research Grant URG-2022-L-AS03, “Factors Influencing Students’ Choice of Higher Education Institutions in Maldives.” 

The visit, which had a participant turnout of approximately 129 people, combined research fieldwork, including data collection and focus group discussions, with educational and community outreach for secondary school students and parents.

Research data collection and focus groups were undertaken alongside the outreach activities. The multi-island visit enabled direct engagement with students, parents and island communities while progressing the objectives of the research project.

The outreach activities conducted were:

• Parents’ Awareness Session: “Raising Resilient, Capable Learners”
• Mathematics Study Session
• Student Career Guidance: “Your Future Starts Now”
• Research Fieldwork

This visit supports the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by providing awareness to parents of adolescent resilience, well-being, communication and support; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing opportunities for research on higher education choice, career guidance, mathematics support and parent engagement; SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), targeting youth skills and work pathways; and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as the research outreach impacted communities outside Malé positively.