This training programme is an ILO-implemented component under the European Union Support for District Development Programme (EU-SDDP) in the Mannar District. It is an initiative taken jointly with Divisional Secretariat, UNDP, NYSC and the Consortium of Societies. The selection of beneficiaries was done by the Divisional Secretariat and the Consortium of Societies. ILO supports a 6-month institutional training and 3-month on-the-job-training (OJT), which includes business training on Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) modules and equipment for training. During the OJT period UNDP will convert the training location to a mini garment unit with further equipment and operational support. DS office together with the consortium of Societies will follow up and sustain the programme. The skills training will be conducted by Mannar Centre of National Youth Services Council.

The Divisional Secretary welcomed the Country Director of ILO and representatives of UNDP, NYSC and the Consortium and thanked them for joining together in providing a sustainable employment opportunities to women in his division. He emphasized the need to sustain the business and promised to provide every support.

Mr. Donglin Li, in his address, welcomed this joint initiative and mentioned that ILO is always committed to support demand-driven courses which would give employable skills to generate income in a sustainable way. The ILO Director thanked UNDP, DS, NYSC and the consortium in joining in hands with ILO and emphasized that this kind of joint interventions should be replicated.