Handicapped trainees, exhibition and awards

GALLE:The exhibition of creations of the Saviya handicapped trainees will be held on September 3.

The exhibition and the award of certificates of the youth who completed the training at the Saviya Multi Skills training institute, for the disabled will be held at the Athwela - 01, Saviya Vocational Training Centre at Kandegodawatta, Wahala Kananke, Imaduwa, on 03rd September commencing at 10 a.m.

The World University Services of Canada is the key founder of the project for the last ten years. The Social Services and Welfare Ministry of the Southern Provincial Council and the department contribute as sponsors.

Twenty - five disabled youth underwent training in the 2005/2006 training schedule, under five different fields. Radio technology, T.V. repairs, Electricity, House wiring and Motor rewinding are the main subjects being taught, at the centre. Further, activities helpful to the women and a basic English course are in the training programme.

After the completion of the training at the residential centre, a three months on the job training is provided. Every trainee is presented with a tool kit worth Rs. 15,000 by the WUSC organization. The SDF makes arrangements to find them a suitable career, or else, the Social Services and Welfare department will provide facilities for self-employment.

The chairperson at the ceremony will be the Most Venerable Gatare Dhammapala Anunayaka thera, who is the General Secretary of the Rohana Sangha Sabha.

Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane, Minister of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage will grace the occasion as the chief guest, while Lionel Pemasiri, Deputy Minister of Social Services and Welfare will attend as the invited distinguished guest. To wind up the day's programme an attractive cultural show will be staged by the children with disabilities.