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| Is blood red the only colour that warrants Attenti | | Last year was the most turbulent and bloody one in the history of the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict. | | More... | |
| Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher and U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Robert Blake met with several U.S.-based organizations representing members of the Tamil diaspora to discuss the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka. | | More... | |
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 Capacity Building |
Central to OfERR’s work is enhancing the capacity of OfERR volunteers and refugee leaders to live and work in a changed environment upon their return to Sri Lanka.
Human Resource Development
 OfERR undertakes regular reviews at all levels of its operation, trying to find ways to improve its services and strengthen its most valuable asset: its people. The organisation aims to be dynamic, training volunteers and reorganising their roles and responsibilities as new priorities arise.
Communication and Leadership training is provided for those who are active in the refugee community. These skills are of great value both now and for the future of the community. Rev. Fr. Elias s.j., Vice-Principal and Head of the Department of Human Resource Management at St. Joseph’s College, Trichy, developed the training package in 1994 and has continued to serve as the consultant and chief resource person for this programme. Since 1994, 20 groups of volunteers – 165 men and 381 women – have undergone the 15-day course.
Youth groups, higher education students, representatives of the camp committees and members of self-help groups have all taken part in Communication and Leadership training, with many positive effects. One noticeable result is the significant increase in the participation of women in decision-making processes in the camps.
OfERR is also involved in the ‘Training of Trainers’, an initiative which prepares volunteers to convey their skills to others. This process allows OfERR to continually spread the knowledge and expertise of its people, so that more and more Ceylon refugees are engaged in capacity building activities.
Income Generation
 OfERR has introduced various profitable activities for the refugees through its income generation programme. The government dole is insufficient to meet even the basic needs of the community. Many seek employment outside the camps; the work is generally poorly paid and unstable. Learning new skills and finding new working possibilities helps refugees to meet the needs of their families and establish future livelihoods.
Tailoring
Tailoring units in Chennai and Trichy provide training for refugee women. 6-month training programmes take place and participants are awarded certification. These units also produce thousands of garments every year which are sold locally and generate small earnings for those involved. 20 people are currently employed in this field. 6 women have received Advanced Tailoring training and 7 have been trained in cutting, two of whom are now working at tailoring centres established for victims of the Tsunami.
Gem Cutting
OfERR has a training centre for gem cutting and marketing. Last year over 90,000 stones were cut and polished here. The trainees receive a small income from this work which supports them while they develop valuable skills for the future.
Micro-Enterprises
Training and resources provided by OfERR have allowed thousands of refugees to engage in their own small business ventures to generate income. Some of the many micro-enterprises currently in operation are listed here.
- Home gardening
- Spirulina production
- Mushroom cultivation
- Poultry rearing
- Cattle rearing
- Community canteens, bakeries and food stalls
- Handicrafts
- Grocery stores
- Telephone booths
- Coconut and firewood stalls
- Domestic cleaning product manufacture and sales
- Cycle repairs
OfERR supports these small ventures, providing small loans where possible and training people in efficient and profitable management of their businesses. OfERR also helps those seeking other employment by donating equipment such as crow-bars and pick-axes for use in labour work. OfERR is committed to improving the immediate situation and the long-term prospects of the Ceylon refugee community. |
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