Muslim Aid Sri Lanka (MASL) and the Vocation Training Authority (VTA) of Sri Lanka entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with aim of contributing towards sustainable development and empowerment of underprivileged and vulnerable youths in Sri Lanka.

Muslim Aid will work alongside the Vocational Training Authority who has undertaken to provide Motor Cycle Mechanical training (NVQ Level 3) for 40 youths at 2 centers in Vandaramulla and Onthachimadam; and Quantity Surveyor training (NVQ Level 5) for 25 youths at the Katankudy center the district of Batticaloa. The partnership to implement the skills training programmes will cost around LKR 2.2 Million and additionally training programmes will provide Motivation, Career Guidance programmes and Exposure visits for all trainees.

The partnership between the two organizations will thus facilitate capacity building of youth in order to promote the progress of the community they live in; and alleviate poverty to achieve sustainable growth in the rural & vulnerable regions of the country. The project will be a joint effort, addressing the objectives and missions of both organizations that seek to serve the public in the best way possible.

Commenting on this MOU, Chairman/ CEO of the VTA of Sri Lanka, Major General Gamini Hettiarachchi (Retd) expressed his thoughts on the partnership “We welcome organizations like Muslim Aid partnering with us since we can reach out to more unemployed and unskilled youth through our courses; in our centers in the regional level. This initiative will produce fine skilled-labourers who will contribute towards our country. It will ensure permanent jobs for them in their field that offer good salaries; after the completion of the courses”.

Commenting on the signing of the MOU, Country Director of Muslim Aid Sri Lanka; Mr. Faizer Khan stated that it is strength to Muslim Aid to reach out to more youth through these vocational training programmes, under the VTA which is a well recognized and established Government institute. He also mentioned that this will be a gateway for MASL to continue contributing towards sustainable development in rural areas by empowering its youth force; and believes the partnership has a strong future in working alongside one another to provide necessary support to facilitate vocational training to the rural, underprivileged and unemployed youth in the country.

This MOU was signed with the presence of Mrs. Chulangani Perera, Director General, VTA,  Mr. Illesinghe, Deputy Director (Training), VTA, Mr. Chandana Vidhanapahirana, Asst. Director, VTA, Mrs. Eranga Jinadasa, Legal Officer/ Board Secretary, VTA,  and Mr. Faslan Thassim, Programme Manager, Livelihood development, Muslim Aid  and Logistic and Admin officer Mr. Ikram,  Muslim Aid Sri Lanka