Canadian Red Cross announces $10.9-million training program for tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka
(Ottawa – April 13, 2006) The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to announce a $10.9-million vocational training program for tsunami-affected women and youth in Sri Lanka. The three-year program is in partnership with World University Service of Canada (WUSC).
Support from the Canadian Red Cross allows WUSC to expand its existing program in Sri Lanka, which is designed to provide quality, employment-oriented vocational training, with priority being given to tsunami and conflict affected women, orphans, and disabled youth.
“Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, this program is going to make a tremendous impact by providing income-generating opportunities to those who need it most. This training is an important component of our tsunami recovery programs in Sri Lanka,” says Dr. Pierre Duplessis, secretary-general of the Canadian Red Cross.
At the beginning of the course, trainees learn about gender awareness, nutrition, personal finances, health and safety, as well as the rights and responsibilities of workers. Students are then given training in fields where there is a demonstrated labour shortage in their community, in trades, such as: carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electronics, or engine repair. Afterwards, trainees receive hands-on experience with employers. Others may receive entrepreneurship training and are then assisted to start their own businesses.
“WUSC has a solid record of alleviating poverty in Sri Lanka through vocational training,” says Paul Davidson, executive director of the non-profit organization. “This funding commitment from the Canadian Red Cross represents a real vote of confidence in our ability to deliver practical assistance that allows more tsunami survivors to rebuild their lives and their communities.”
Hitting nearly two-thirds of the Sri Lanka’s coastline, the December 2004 tsunami killed more than 31,000 people and injured 23,000; and another 4,700 are still missing. With more than 100,000 homes destroyed or damaged, over 500,000 people were displaced.
WUSC is a network of individuals and postsecondary institutions who believe that all peoples are entitled to the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a more equitable world. Active on over 50 university and college campuses across Canada, WUSC’s mission is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training.
The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 183 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.
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For more information, please contact:
| Jenna Clarke Communications Officer Canadian Red Cross Tel: (613) 740-1966 |
Wallace Beaton |
