Under NPC’s Women Organized for Inclusion through Community Engagement (WOICE) project, a youth awareness programme on vocational education was conducted at Welipitiya in the Matara District, bringing together 24 participants with the objective of enhancing their awareness of vocational education opportunities, skills development and future career pathways.
The session was facilitated by Premalal Prathapasinghe, Skill Development Officer of the Welipitiya Divisional Secretariat, who shared valuable insights on the importance of vocational training in the competitive job market.
Participants were introduced to vocational education opportunities available for youth and were encouraged to develop practical skills that can support sustainable employment and self-reliance. The discussion highlighted the significance of career guidance, technical training and youth empowerment in addressing unemployment challenges.
The programme provided an interactive platform for young people to engage in discussions, clarify their concerns and explore pathways for personal and professional growth. Participants expressed their appreciation for the informative and motivating session.
Also under the project, a youth livelihood and skills development programme was held in Gal Oya to enhance sustainable livelihood opportunities, which brought together 35 youth participants, including young women who were eager to explore new avenues for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The training programme featured a diverse range of sessions facilitated by experienced resource persons specialising in beauty culture, online business management, computer-based services, entrepreneurship and waste paper craft production. Participants received practical guidance on starting and managing small businesses, creating and managing Facebook business pages, utilising digital tools for marketing and identifying emerging opportunities in the online business sector.
Participants were introduced to creative and environmentally friendly livelihood options through waste paper craft training, demonstrating how recycled materials could be transformed into marketable products. The beauty culture session highlighted self-employment opportunities within the beauty and wellness industry while computer-based training provided insights into technology-driven income generating activities.
Participants engaged in discussions and shared experiences and gained knowledge on entrepreneurship development and income generation strategies. The sessions encouraged innovation, creativity and self-confidence, inspiring participants to consider new business ventures and livelihood opportunities within their communities.