Launch of the Hadawathe Sihinaya Vocational Training Project

Date: 23 August 2020
Location: Walpita
Project: Hadawathe Sihinaya Vocational Training Project
Theme: Towards a Skilled Generation of Youth

On 23 August 2020, I launched the Hadawathe Sihinaya Vocational Training Project together with young people from my village of Walpita. I believed that young people are an important strength of a country and that helping them identify their abilities and find suitable educational and vocational pathways could make a meaningful difference to their future.

Not every young person is suited to the same career path. One of the main objectives of this project was therefore to provide young people with information and guidance that could help them choose a direction according to their own skills, interests and qualifications.

The first programme covered several different pathways. Participants were informed about the requirements and procedures for joining the Sri Lanka Army, vocational training programmes available through the skills development sector, training opportunities offered through the National Youth Services Council, programmes available through the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, and ways of connecting with employment opportunities in the construction sector.

Officers representing the relevant sectors participated in the programme and provided information directly to the young people. This gave participants an opportunity to better understand the available training and career pathways and to consider which options might be appropriate for them.

I gratefully remember the support provided by Damitha Wickramasinghe, Champika Amaresekara and Theshara Jayasinghe in helping me move this initiative forward. I also appreciate the assistance given by our local Grama Niladhari, Vijith Senavi and the young people of Walpita who supported the programme.

This was not intended to remain a single awareness programme. My intention was to begin in Walpita and gradually take the initiative to other communities. The project later continued with an awareness programme for estate communities at Dabare Mawatha, Narahenpita, followed by the registration of the first group for vocational training.

For me, the purpose was greater than simply helping someone find a job. It was about helping young people recognise their abilities, develop practical skills and find a pathway through which they could build their own future.

The launch of the Hadawathe Sihinaya Vocational Training Project in Walpita therefore remains an important milestone in my community service journey.