Project Overview

The tsunami on December 26, 2004 killed an estimated 38,000 people in Sri Lanka and destroyed the livelihoods of many in Ampara district which bore the brunt of the impact. It left large numbers of school dropouts, widows and widowers with little means of securing income and basic needs.

This project aims to establish financial self-reliance for widows and school dropouts in Ampara. Currently, there is a shortage of qualified labour in dress making, food-processing and handicraft.

The project will deliver vocational training to enable people to work in food-processing, dress making and handicraft industries.

Project Background

Islamic Relief, as part of its long-term commitment in Sri Lanka, is working closely with local communities and the local authorities to formulate livelihood projects in Ampara region.

The vocational training project is designed to provide people who have been affected by the tsunami and the conflict with necessary skills to build their livelihood in dress making, handicrafts, and food processing.

Market analysis and in-depth consultations with the community show a promising market demand in these areas. There are many young girls and women are eager to learn and start working in dress making, handicrafts and food processing fields.

The vocational training courses will provide a unique opportunity for many girls and women to sew and cook professionally. 
 
One of the main outputs of the project is to match successful trainees to relevant industries either in Ampara or elsewhere in the country. Islamic Relief Sri Lanka will strive to establish links with businesses through the Chamber of Commerce and other business associations.

Project Objectives

• The objective of the project is to help to build the self-reliance of widows, divorcees and school dropouts that have been affected by the tsunami and the conflict.

Project Activities

• Participants are trained in dress making, handicraft and food processing.
• Nationally recognized and accredited certificates will be issued to successful trainees.
• Trainees will be assisted to find work in the relevant industry or be given assistance to establish small businesses.

Beneficiaries

The project is targeted at school dropouts, widows and divorcees affected by the conflict or tsunami.

There are three vocational centres, with 60 students in each centre spending 3months in training. It is expected that around 480 beneficiaries will benefit from each centre in one year.

A total of 1,440 students will benefit from the three vocational centres every year.