First Post-Tsunami Vocational Training Center to be rebuilt in Sri Lanka

ON Saturday, April 23, 2005 over 200 government officials, diplomats, school students and community members gathered in Arugam Bay, one of the most devastated tsunami-affected areas in Sri Lanka, to participate in the inaugural ceremony celebrations of the first tsunami affected vocational training center to be rebuilt in the entire country.

Among the guests were Minister of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education Piyasena Gamage, Canadian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Valrie Raymond and Director of the Education Sector of the Task Force for Rebuilding the Nation (TAFREN) Chris Benjamin all of whom joined students in laying the foundation stones of the center, planting trees, and releasing ten white doves symbolizing collective hope, faith and healing. (Chris Benjamin can be reached on mobile: 077-317-1768 or office tel: 011-242-6160 ext. 613).

Construction of the vocational training center will begin in mid-May with a scheduled completion date of the end of September 2005. The building will be a total of 12,000 square feet comprising an administrative block and a two-storeyed structure consisting of four classrooms.

Design of the building was done by famed Sri Lankan architect Vidura Sri Nammuni, Head of the Department of Architecture, University of Moratuwa and past President of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects.

According to officials from the Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Education, the proposed vocational training center will be a model for other tsunami-affected vocational training centers that will be reconstructed in other areas of the country.

The training center in Arugam Bay will benefit over 100 young men and women annually by offering courses in the areas of outboard motor repair, carpentry, hand carving and dressmaking.

There is a great need for the center, as it will empower youth with concrete and marketable skills to acquire gainful employment, helping to ensure long-term economic stability and education in the Arugam Bay area.

There are no other vocational training centers in the Arugam Bay area that can meet the needs of young people for skills based training.

Funding for the construction, equipping and furnishing of the center has been provided by Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network and the Canadian based NGO called Free The Children.

Oprah Winfrey's film crew travelled to Sri Lanka from the United States to film the inaugural ceremonies for a show to be aired on international television in May.

Oprah Winfrey was named one of the 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century by Time Magazine, and in 1998 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. When Forbes magazine published its list of America's billionaires for the year 2003, it disclosed that Oprah Winfrey was the first African-American woman to become a billionaire.

Through the power of media, Oprah Winfrey has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world. As supervising producer and host of the top-rated, award-winning Oprah Winfrey Show, she has entertained, enlightened and uplifted millions of viewers for the past two decades.

Her commitment to use her life to make a difference in the lives of others has extended beyond the realm of television into philanthropy, education, publishing and film. Together Oprah's influence and generosity have established her as one of the most respected and admired public figures today.

The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 18 consecutive years. Produced by her own production company, Harpo Productions, Inc., the show is seen by an estimated 40 million viewers a week around the world and is broadcast internationally in 111 countries, including Sri Lanka.

Free The Children is coordinating the construction of the vocational training center in partnership with the Ministry of Skills Development, Vocational and Technical Training and TAFREN. Lloyd Hanoman the Asia Regional Director of Free the Children based in Sri Lanka can be reached at 077-698-3436.