Metta Buddhist Centre is mindful that vocational training is critical for the underprivileged, teenagers or young adults who are not academically inclined. It aims to equip such youth with relevant skills through vocational training to enable them to gain good employment.
To this end, Metta Buddhist Centre set up vocational training programmes at its Centre, Weherahena in 2005. Its welfare arm, Metta Social Services Foundation (“MSSF”) then collaborated with the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority to conduct one-year Computer Studies courses. The first batch of students enrolled in 2006. Over the next 3 years, 60 students graduated from the programme with certificates and went on to secure jobs related to the computer industry.
MSSF also conducts vocational training programmes at the Metta Youth Centre (“MYC”), Matara. In 2007, 20 trainees completed a hands-on training programme in landscaping. Electronic & Electrical courses were also conducted where the trainees were taught electrical wiring and the repair and maintenance of computers, radios and televisions. In 2009, 20 nursing aides completed the Nursing Aides Course and went on to work in local hospitals.
Currently, MSSF through Metta Kids World (Pre-School) located at MYC Matara provides on-the-job training course for aspiring kindergarten teachers. This wonderful training platform for assistant kindergarten teachers allows them to learn the skills required to become full-fledged kindergarten teachers. 4 trainees have since completed the course in 2011.
