Govt. receives USD 6 mn KOICA grant for career platform project

Sri Lanka has received USD 6 mn grant from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to set up an ICT-based career platform project for those receiving Tertiary and Vocational Education Training (TVET). On behalf of the government, the Ministry of Education and Tertiary and Vocational Training Commission would implement the project.

KOICA spokesperson said that the project was meant to develop and improve employment status of TVET trainees. In addition to the development of the career platform, the project has also invested significantly in strengthening the capacities of the service providers attached to the platform, the spokesperson said.

KOICA with the joint effort of Project Management Consultant experts from UBION recently conducted the first workshop at Mandarina Hotel. The second workshop was held at Jetwing Colombo Seven with the participation of senior officers, including Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education Ms. Muditha Malkanthi, Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka Office and many other invitees representing public and private sector organizations.

The workshop was declared open by Country Director of KOICA Ms. Kim Myung Jin stating that Education is a core component for capacity enhancement, therefore the Korean Government and KOICA attached great importance to education. Education is one of the key umbrella policies from Korea to Sri Lanka. KOICA believes it is essential to strengthen the education system, especially for developing countries.

Addressing the gathering, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education Ms. Muditha Malkanthi, appreciated KOICA and the Korean Government for the provision of numerous grant arrangements for the development of the TVET sector in Sri Lanka. She also mentioned that the TVET Career Platform is the latest initiative of the Korean Government with 6 mn USD financial assistance and expected to see that this career platform will give clear career paths for the vocational students of Sri Lanka.