Justin is excited about going back to school at 24. He is going to attend a bus driving course.

People In Need´s Head of Mission, Matej Novak, together with officials from the Sri Lankan Transportation Board (SLTB) officially launched a new Vocational Training course for heavy vehicle drivers. The first group of 60 young unemployed men, many of whom did not complete their formal education, will soon improve their chances of finding a job.

"PIN has been working in Sri Lanka since January 2005, mostly in the Trincomalee district. A large part of our current activities are in the educational sector. Improving the level of education means improving the standard of living in the district," says Matej Novak.

The training provides the necessary level of theoretical and practical knowledge. "PIN covers all costs related to the training, but nothing else. During the course, I will be working as a night guard to be able to feed my family. But the course means a lot for me, once I get the licence, I can have a really cool job," says Justin.

"The course is organized in cooperation with the Sri Lankan Transportation Board (SLTB) that certifies the issued licences. Those who have their licence certified by SLTB trainers have a much higher chance of getting a good job. The state-guaranteed licences are more valued than those from private companies," says Prathajani, the project coordinator. The SLTB nevertheless closed its Trincomalee district office in 2003 due to a lack of funds. So since then, the trainees either have to travel 240 km to the nearest SLTB office in Ampara district or have to get their licence from a private company. "As a result of that, there is a lack of qualified drivers and at the same time a big demand for the jobs. We are creating an efficient bridge," says Matej Novak.

"We are happy that PIN came at this stage. There were many organizations that came but none of them got involved in the end. As a result of PIN‛s involvement, we might be able to re-open the SLTB office in Trincomalee soon," said the deputy director of SLTB for Eastern province, Mr. Varatharajan.

Other educational activities of PIN in Sri Lanka include vocational training in sewing, development of the school and pre-school sectors and English teacher training.

For more information about People in Need activities visit www.peopleinneed.cz. More information on programs in Sri Lanka can be found on http://www.clovekvtisni.cz/index2en.php?parent=402&sid=402&id=483. Donations can be made on SOS Sri Lanka: Support for Victims of the Asian Tsunami´s account 991991991/0300, You can send a text message DMS SRILANKA on phone nember 0042-0-87777

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