USAID FUNDS TRAINING CENTER FOR WAR-AFFECTED WOMEN

February 26, 2004 – (TamilNet) Regional Programme Manager of the USAID Ms.Brenda Barrett Thursday declared open a bi-lingual sewing training centre in the Trincomalee Government Technical College to assist war affected girls of three communities to find gainful employment. The project is financed by the USAID at an estimated cost of one million rupees, USAID sources said.

"USAID believes that the current peace initiative would lead the country towards a permanent solution in the war-ravaged island," said Ms.Barrett addressing the first batch of girls selected for the training.

Ms.Barrettfurther said the sewing training centre would not only provide an opportunity to promote their skills but also will promote mutual understanding among the different communities by serving as a meeting point. The war affected will enjoy the benefits of peace, said.

At the conclusion of the sewing training course, youths pass out every six-months with enough sewing skills to work as qualified seamstresses, said the Principal of the Technical College Mr.C.Sutharalingam presiding over the event.

Trincomalee district had been subjected to ethnic disturbances during the past resulting in the destruction of houses and loss of lives. With the return of peace and normalcy in the district hundred of youths have joined the unemployed queue.

The opening of the sewing training centre with the financial support of the USAID would make the unemployed girls to get employment in the private sector or be self employed thus alleviating poverty, said Mr. Suntheralingam.

Mr.M.Mahadevan, a lecturer of the college also spoke.

USAID Programme development Officer Ms Natasha Cassiere and Grant Specialist Mrs Premila Naguleswaran were also present. A sectional head of the Technical College Mr.S.Pathmaprakash proposed vote of thanks.

The Government Technical College in Trincomalee was established in May 1993 under the Department of Technical Education and Training. The objective of the college was to provide Technical Education and Training in Engineering, Trade, Commerce, Commerce and language Skills systematically and acquire knowledge and to secure gainful employment in the private or public sector.

From: http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=11321