Unilever Sri Lanka launches ‘Jeewithayata Aruthak’

Tuesday, 3 December 2013 00:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Program aimed to improve employability of Sri Lankan youth The human resources team at Unilever Sri Lanka recently launched ‘Jeewithayata Aruthak’ (A Purpose to Life), a program designed to help the youth in Sri Lanka by improving soft skills that are vital for gaining employment. The first phase of the program was conducted on 2 November at the Dehiowita National School. The concept of the program was born as a way of supporting the children of Unilever Sri Lanka’s ‘Saubhagya’ entrepreneurs. The team identified that whilst many of these young individuals were academically and technically qualified, they often lacked the soft skills needed to convert that

knowledge into a profession, and thereby finding gainful employment. The program is designed to provide continuous skill building to these students through coaching and mentoring. Ninety eight students attended the first phase of the program, which kicked off with a session from AIA Insurance Lanka Assistant General Manager of Sales Training and Development Dimuthu Piyasena, who is a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator certified trainer. He addressed the students on the importance of having a vision in life, and how such a vision would provide meaning and direction their lives ahead of school and higher education. He also impressed upon them the importance of developing their individuality and uniqueness as a key factor for future success. The students then participated in sessions on soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and personal branding conducted by Unilever managers. The sessions aimed to provide a working knowledge of these skills to the students as a starting point for their development. H.G.S. Nishadini was one of the students who attended the program and expressed her pleasure at having the opportunity to participate in this program, stating: “As a result of the sessions conducted today, I was able to identify a positive vision for my life.” Another student, Sahan Sulakshana mentioned that this was the first time that he has participated in such an event. “This program gave me many valuable insights about developing myself to face the future. I am very grateful to Unilever Sri Lanka for conducting a session like this our school, and I hope they will be able to continue this programme in years to come.” Speaking about the event, Human Resources Business Partner for Brands and Customer Development, Yohan Hewagama said: “Jeewithayata Aruthak is a great opportunity for our employees to engage with these youngsters and help improve their employability. Unilever Sri Lanka has access to a great wealth of knowledge on training and skill development which gives us the privilege and opportunity to share this knowledge with the youth of Sri Lanka in order to produce an employable Sri Lankan workforce.”