People In Need's Training Program in Sri Lanka Helps Tens to Get Job in Project Management

People In Need (PIN), in collaboration with Jobsnet, recently completed a Diploma program in Project Management and Civil Technology focused on developing candidates job's skills in high needs areas within the Sri Lankan labor market. Most of beneficiaries of this eight-month program have successfully found employment in various NGOs and private companies. The program is one of PIN's education-related activities in Sri Lanka that has received funding through the "SOS Sri Lanka" public collection campaign in the Czech Republic.
The Project Management program trained the participating students through a combination of lectures, discussions, group work, presentations and field visits. The program's impact and relevance were immediately apparent: 23 out of the 34 trainees from the Project Management section were hired in the NGO sector and 7 out of the 23 trainees from the Civil Technology program found jobs in related fields.
The successful candidates were awarded their diplomas during a ceremony that took place in Trincomalee's town hall in early January 2008. Mr.Ondrej Zapletal, PIN's Head of Operations, Mr.Jabeer, Jobsnet's Regional Manager and Mr.Naguleswarampillai, the Sri Lankan Assistant Commissioner of Labor, presided over the function.
Jobsnet's desire to start the initiative began after a 2005 survey conducted by a local labor organization revealed that 35% of the vacancies in the NGO and private sectors were either in construction or community development programs. Jobsnet contacted several international NGOs and foundations to collaborate with them on implementing the project. In the end, People In Need decided to provide the necessary funding to make the project possible.
During the ceremony, Mr.Naguleswarampillai stated that "[t]his is an exciting occasion in the history of Jobsnet, because job placements have been definitely assured for all of the participants in future." In addition, Mr.Ondrej Zapletal added that the successful trainees should stay in Trincomalee and work for the development of the region rather than going abroad.
One of the project management students, Ms. M. Govardani, praised the program and the opportunity it represented for those involved. She expressed her sincerest thanks to People in Need and Jobsnet on behalf of all the trainees for implementing such a useful program and explained how the experience has changed their lives. She added that most of them had already procured job placements and thanked People In Need once again for funding this program.
PIN has been working in Sri Lanka since January 2005 to assist people affected by the Tsunami in Trincomalee district. PIN's program has been responsible for building three new schools and reconstructing twelve others over the last two years. PIN's other education-related activities have included vocational trainings, development of the school and pre-school sectors and English teacher trainings.