Programme to train and develop 400 youth in IT and leadership skills

HSBC announced a joint initiative with Microsoft Sri Lanka, The Ministry of Education, Sarvodaya-Fusion and Global Talent Coach and Consultants (Pvt) Ltd to train and develop 400 young people in the North, East, South and West of the county through IT and Leadership skills.

Each year, around 280,000 students leave the school education system having completed their GCE (O/L) and GCE (A/L) examinations. Hence, 92% of young people are seeking alternate avenues leading to productive employment opportunities.

As such, this programme aims to identify 400 potential youth in Jaffna, Matara, Batticaloa and Ja-ela and equip them with the required leadership and IT skills, enabling them to be future leaders who will drive the economic and development goals of the country.

Both Microsoft and HSBC believe that Sri Lanka’s youth holds immense potential as the next generation leaders and it is expected of them to contribute to the development of the economy and ensure a better and more prosperous future with the use of technology.

Microsoft has pledged to make a substantial investment through their world recognized curricula to train young people in IT skills.

The training programmes will be conducted over a period of six months with an allocated time for practical sessions, theory and revision.

“IT skills are important no matter where you find employment, as computers have become a basic tool that is used in almost every home or office, today. Microsoft Sri Lanka is no novice when it comes to our engagement in similar projects.

We have initiated or been part of a number of IT education programmes in this country and worked with the Education Ministry to improve the IT curricula of local schools,” commented Sriyan de Silva Wijeyeratne, Country Manager, Microsoft Sri Lanka.

Nick Nicolaou, Chief Executive Officer for HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives, stated 39 Expanding experiences and access to IT education, as well as providing leadership based training will facilitate a much needed development and employment opportunity for these young people.

We hope this on-going support will be used effectively in working towards the set goals in making themselves competent and an economic resource for the future.”

Isura Silva, Manager of Sarvodaya-Fusion, stated, “As a social enterprise Sarvodaya-Fusion empowers rural tele-centres to be financially sustainable through ‘Fusion-Education’ which has trained more than 3000 students since 2009.

‘Fusion Education’constantly renews its approach to cater to emerging education demands to enhance the quality of IT skills of rural youth.

It’s great to connect again with HSBC and Microsoft in these projects who believe in employability of young people in their CSR programs.”

The leadership trainings will be conducted by Global Talent Coach and Consultants (Pvt) Ltd (GTCC) whose primary role is to promote corporate training, talent development, business coaching and consultancy.