International
Youth Foundation (IYF) Program Director Jean-Pierre
Isenbendjian recently visited the Foundation of Goodness
to assess the progress of the Women’s Enterprise
Division and Business Skills Centre, a project IYF are
supporting as part of a post-tsunami initiative designed
to empower youth through employment.
The Tsunami Reconstruction
initiative was set up in 2005 to develop
training and job creation programs for the youth
in tsunami affected countries – Thailand, India,
Indonesia and Sri Lanka – and aims to provide
more than 4,400 16 to 29 year olds with access
to job and life skills training,
apprenticeships, job placements, and
micro-credit or small start-up loans.
As part of this
program, IYF is funding courses at the Centre of
Excellence in Seenigama designed to assist 2,160 tsunami
affected youths gain employment and generate further job
opportunities through training in business skills, life
skills and technical skills.
Mr Isenbendjian visited Seenigama to see the work that
has been done to set up classes in beauty culture,
beralu lace making, patchwork and sewing, as well as
workshops focusing on skills that will assist youths who
want to set up businesses of their own.
He spoke positively about IYF’s
relationship with the Foundation of Goodness,
and the efforts that have been made to get the
project started.
‘It’s been pleasant to work with the Foundation
of Goodness. We have a good understanding and
communication, and the
partnership
approach has been working well,’ he said.
He commented that students ‘seem very happy with the
classes…which is a good sign.’
So far, the Women’s Enterprise Division has 159 students
and 31 local youth have completed a business skills
workshop – a sound beginning to what looks set to be a
life-enhancing experience for young residents.
For Mr Isenbendjian, the end result of the training is
the most important outcome and he’s looking forward to
witnessing the increased levels of employment.
‘The real evidence of success will be apparent when we
see gradates in operation, selling their product or in
employment and earning an income. That’s what really
matters,’ he said.
The
International Youth Foundation (IYF) works in close to
70 countries and territories to improve the conditions
and prospects for young people where they live, learn,
work, and play. For more information,
visit their website.
