FCCISL CHEER rehabilitates children of war

One hundred and eighty children affected by war, who were trained by the FCCISL CHEER project in a vocational training of their choice in the construction industry related field, received their awards and certificates at a ceremony.

These vocations included 30 beneficiaries each in carpentry, welding, household wiring and masonry while 60 female beneficiaries received training on CAD( 30 females) and in 3D drafting and advanced medaling (30 females)

Deputy Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Vijith Wijithamuni Zoysa who was the chief guest at the ceremony organized on the occasion uniting 500 rehabilitees with their families and awarding of certificates to 180 FCCISL CHEER trained children of war in Vavuniya recently, told the rehabilitees to lead a peaceful life and contribute to the development of the country. He said that Sri Lanka has the best rehabilitation centre in the world and President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government would do everything possible to make the future of those released successful.

The Malegoda Pushparama Maha Viharaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Malegoda Nanda Nayaka Thera delivered the anusasana and shared his invaluable experience with beneficiaries while in training in Malegoda, and said that these children are with very valuable talents and it is the duty of everyone to ensure that they lead a useful life to the society.

The Handwerk Centre Payagala, managed by FCCISL, where the beneficiaries received their training is situated in the premises of the Viharaya.

Each training course carried 100 hour training and comprised theory and practice of the respective fields of training. In addition, the beneficiaries are also provided with a session of counselling and positive thinking. Training sessions were residential and conducted at the Handwerk Centre in Malegoda, Payagala.

Rehabilitation Commissioner General Brig. Sudantha Ranasinghe highlighted the importance of vocational training for rehabilitees, so that they can embark on a trained livelihood and thanked FCCISL CHEER for this valuable contribution.

FCCISL CHEER project (Chamber-network Engagement in Economic Rehabilitation) is a part of the EU-ACAP project funded by the European Union (under its EU-Assistance for Conflict Affected People) 2009/2013 Programme and implemented by OXFAM GB in association with FCCISL and its Member District Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Mannar.

The certificates which carry international recognition are jointly awarded by the Handwerkskammer Koblenz Germany, the National Construction Association of Sri Lanka (NCASL) and FCCISL. Every rehabilitee has a specific rehabilitation program and during the period of rehabilitation and during this period they would receive further practical training under Army Engineers. On the completion of their rehabilitation, they will be re-integrated to the society under the direction and supervision of the Bureau of the Commissioner General Rehabilitation (CGR).

The trainees would then hold an internationally valid certificate of vocational education, experience certification and certification of clearance from the Sri Lanka Army and are in a position to secure jobs within their communities or even secure jobs overseas with further experience. Once re-integrated, the details of the trainees would be available with Bureau of CGR. FCCISL and NCASL networks would support them to explore employment opportunities.

FCCISL Secretary General Dr Thusitha Tennakoon emphasized the importance of private sector engagement in efforts of this nature of national importance and said that FCCISL is proud and pleased to be associated with the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation.

Security Forces Wanni Commander Major General Kamal Gunaratne, FCCISL President Kosala Wickramanayake, FCCISL CHEER Project National Project Director Sam Stembo, FCCISL CHEER Project National Project Coordinator Dilrukshi Pathirana and key security officials were among many distinguished guests who were present.