Avinya Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in Sri Lanka will unveil its first school in January as part of a long-term strategy to offer less-privileged students recognised, non-traditional and affordable vocational education programs.
The Avinya Academy Bandaragama, in partnership with Sarvodaya, will be the first of a planned network of schools, offering high-quality technical as well as social and soft skills that will support students who wish to pursue an alternative career path in specialised fields.
“Our aim is to guide and support students in their chosen vocational fields with an all-round learning experience that will help them to compete effectively in the employer market and ensure a valued professional future. We will give post-Ordinary Level exam students an alternative path to pursuing Advanced Level exams which can lead them directly to employment upon completion or have the option to continue further studies,” said Founder Chairman of Avinya Foundation, Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana.
Director General of the Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning, Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne said the program will offer students a well-rounded learning experience, with the aim to “mould holistically complete individuals.”
“Avinya Foundation’s vocational training isn’t just about gearing up an individual towards a profession. It also carries the responsibility of rendering a cultured citizen to society. The courses prioritise empowering professionals capable of maintaining respect among individuals, with admiration to a fair society and nature’s values, while being economical and energy efficient,” he said.
The three-year program will be conducted by Avinya’s team of educationist and industry professionals. It will start with the six-month Avinya Empower program followed by a comprehensive curriculum that will include technical expertise as well as coaching, mentoring, and professional skills so students will be employment-ready.
During the Empower program students will learn English, effective communication skills, digital literacy, analytical reasoning, creative thinking, leadership skills, entrepreneurial drive, and other 21st century skills that are critical to making an individual competitive in today’s marketplace through a project based learning approach.
The Foundation will also facilitate internships and apprenticeships as part of the education program and assist with employment placements for all graduates. During the program, all students are expected to work on campus in various roles and will be compensated for that work.