Skills for Inclusive Growth

27/11/2024

📢 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦! 🌟

As we reach the formal conclusion of the Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) program, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.

From fostering innovation to creating sustainable livelihoods through skills development, this program has been about building inclusive growth for communities across Sri Lanka.

💡 Together, we:

✨ Introduced innovative approaches to vocational training, empowering youth and women to excel in the tourism industry.

✨ Supported the development of creative tourism experiences that celebrated Sri Lanka’s culture and diversity.

✨ Piloted forward-thinking initiatives that set benchmarks for skills development programs nationwide.

This achievement was made possible through the commitment of our partners, trainers, vocational institutions, participants, and communities. To the policymakers, industry leaders, and supporters who believed in this vision, we owe you our heartfelt thanks.

Our website which has access to all of our models, surveys, reports and links to our stakeholders who will be using them will remain live for the next year: https://inclusivegrowth.com.lk

While this chapter comes to a close, the ideas, skills, and connections we’ve fostered will continue to inspire change and growth in the years to come.

From all of us at S4IG: Thank you and goodbye! 💙
Let’s continue building an inclusive future—one innovative idea at a time. ✨

Skills for Inclusive Growth was supported by Australian Aid

26/11/2024

🌟 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝟒𝐈𝐆'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲! 🌟

Beyond the key models developed by S4IG, we also offer an excellent repertoire of tools and resources to support the tourism value chain. Our Resource Repository includes Reasonable Adjustment Toolkit Circular and Skills Planning toolkit (including Individual District Plans) to name a few.
These well-thought-out resources and materials are crafted to provide significant value. We hope they will be beneficial to all who access and utilise them.

Discover all these resources on our website: https://inclusivegrowth.com.lk/

S4IG program was supported by Australian Aid.

Skills for Inclusive Growth

25/11/2024

🌟 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃: 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐕𝐐 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝟑 🌟

Mr. Asitha Ratnayaka, Assistant Director( Cluster), NAITA, taking receipt of the updated version of the Hotel Operations Multitasker, NVQ Level 3 training materials.

The updated materials in all three languages can be found here: Hotel Operations Multitasker Digital. They can also be found on our new webpage: https://inclusivegrowth.com.lk

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠:

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥, 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤, and 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 have been updated to align with the NVQ Level 3 National Competency Standard. These resources now include a 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 https://tinyurl.com/4484jsrw with direct links to training videos, making it easier than ever to access learning materials anytime, anywhere.

At 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 (𝐒𝟒𝐈𝐆), a program supported by Australian Aid we believe in driving innovation in vocational education to meet the needs of a modern workforce.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐕𝐐 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝟑 is a cutting-edge program that prepares learners with the practical, work-based skills to thrive in Sri Lanka’s growing hospitality and tourism industry. Get the digital version here: https://fliphtml5.com/bookcase/locgh/
🏨✨

💡 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐭?

🔸 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠:
Real-life training in hospitality environments ensures learners gain hands-on experience while mastering industry-relevant skills.

🔸 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞:
Learners are trained across housekeeping, front office, and food & beverage, becoming versatile professionals ready for dynamic roles in the hospitality sector.

🔸 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Co-created with top hospitality providers, the program reflects the latest trends and skills demanded by employers.

🎯 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
This program equips learners with job-ready skills, while our innovative approach to training delivery ensures resources are accessible, engaging, and aligned with current industry standards. By focusing on quality and innovation, S4IG is helping to build a workforce that will shape the future of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.

25/11/2024

🌟 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 🌟

We are incredibly proud of the innovative models developed by S4IG, including Professional Cookery NVQ Level 4, Hotel Operations Multitasker NVQ Level 3, Professional Business Coaching, and E-Tourism courses. These models are our gift to all those who seek to use them beyond S4IG’s closure in November 2024.

Developed with the active participation of industry stakeholders, these courses were designed to meet the skill requirements and fill the gaps in the tourism industry. Whether you choose to follow these courses at a government or private training institute or through self-study, they are crafted to benefit every user.

Tourism is Sri Lanka's 3rd highest revenue generator and a crucial industry for our economic recovery. We believe these models and the skills they develop will help the industry perform and meet its demands.

These models are our legacy, and we are privileged to leave them behind for Sri Lanka to use.

Access all our models and courses on our website: https://inclusivegrowth.com.lk/

S4IG program was supported by Australian Aid.

Skills for Inclusive Growth

22/11/2024

🌱 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🌱

Sustainability has been at the heart of all our actions at S4IG. As we conclude our project at the end of November 2024, we are proud to present the materials we've developed to enhance the tourism value chain in Sri Lanka. Our courses, including Professional Cookery NVQ Level 4, Hotel Operations Multitasker NVQ Level 3, Professional Business Coaching, and E-Tourism courses are now included in the curricula of both government and non-government vocational training institutes. These resources are also available for self-learning on our website http://www.inclusivegrowth.com.lk/

Explore our website to learn more about these initiatives and hear from our sustainability partners. We are proud to leave behind this set of sustainable tools for anyone interested in exploring these resources. Our past experiences have shown that these resources have truly benefited those who used them in their careers in the industry.

The S4IG program was supported by Australian Aid.🇦🇺

🔗 Learn more: https://inclusivegrowth.com.lk/

Skills for Inclusive Growth

18/11/2024

🇦🇺 has been proud to support for Inclusive Growth’s Skills Planning Initiative, which has made a significant impact in , engaging policymakers and stakeholders in addressing the district’s skills needs.

Deputy High Commissioner Lalita Kapur and the team recently met with the S4IG team to discuss current development of the tourism sector and skills development in the area.

28/10/2024

“Good news out of Arugam Bay. International exposure for the women of Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club, Today the club has 13 members, most of whom are certified instructors trained by international experts, with support from the Australian government. These inspiring women now run successful local businesses, making a real difference in Arugam Bay. We are so proud of them! "

A girls’ surf team makes waves in Sri Lanka’s Arugam Bay, finding ways to break gender norms and turn the tide

22/10/2024

“Congratulations VTA trainees on the autism spectrum and the parents of these trainees as they mark a significant step toward inclusivity in vocational training. The second batch of students for the NVQ Level 2 Information Technology course, designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum, was recruited at the National Vocational Training Center in Narahenpita.

What makes us even happier at S4IG is that this second batch was co-ordinated entirely by the VTA themselves, we had no direct involvement. This demonstrates the sustainability of the initiative.

In collaboration with the Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority, Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) is proud to support this initiative, sponsored by the Australian Government. This program aims to provide students with specialised training and hands-on experience, preparing them for meaningful employment opportunities and economic independence.
Together, we are building a more inclusive future where everyone can thrive! ”

08/10/2024

“𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩'𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐒”

Meet Yashoada Sandeepa, a participant in the EQUITAS program who has successfully completed his NVQ Level 2 Course in ICT at VTA and is now employed at Intrepid Travel Sandeepa's journey is a testament to the success of the EQUITAS program, initiated by S4IG, supported by Australian Aid, and implemented by VTA in consultation with TVEC.

Despite facing numerous health challenges from birth, Sandeepa overcame many obstacles with the love and support of his family. The interventions made in the local training curriculum have enabled him to find employment and have hope for his future. We are incredibly proud of Sandeepa and delighted that many can now benefit from the reasonable adjustment interventions made by S4IG, which are now reaping success. We are happy to leave this legacy for many like Sandeepa to thrive and prosper.

27/09/2024

Happy World Tourism Day!

19/09/2024

“𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐤𝐚’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐒”

Meet Deshika, one of the many lives transformed by the 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 (𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐒) program. With the support of S4IG, Australian Aid, and the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA), Deshika has gained valuable skills and confidence, enabling her to thrive in the tourism sector. Deshika is now employed at Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and is doing exceptionally well in her employment. Her journey is a testament to the positive impact of inclusive training programs.
EQUITAS, an innovative inclusion training initiative designed to provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) and vocational training for individuals with disabilities in the tourism sector. This pilot program, a collaboration between Skills for Inclusive Growth (S4IG) and the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA), focuses on empowering individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome

Join us in celebrating the success of EQUITAS and the incredible individuals like Deshika who are making a difference! 🌍✨

19/09/2024