Unilever Sri Lanka breathes new life into ‘Jeewithayata Aruthak’

November, 14, 2014

USL HR Team launches second phase of youth skill building programme at University of Colombo 

The Human Resources team of Unilever Sri Lanka launched the second phase of its “Jeewithayata Aruthak” youth skill building programme, targeting undergraduate students from several leading universities in the nation. The programme which aims to “Give purpose to life”, helps young students in Sri Lanka become more employable by providing them soft skill development interventions. The first phase of the programme was conducted at Dehiowita National School in 2013.

Having identified that the intervention now needed to be elevated to undergraduates who will soon be part of the job market, the team conducted this year’s programme at as a skill building workshop for undergraduates. While the workshop was held at the University of Colombo, students from a variety of universities attended the programme, including the University of Colombo, University of Moratuwa, University of Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, APIIT, RIC and NSBM.

This workshop catered to hundred and sixty undergraduates, who had the opportunity to attend several sessions, including one on Skill Development for Employability by renowned professional trainer, Nalaka Hewamadduma. He addressed the students on the skills that they should develop while at the University level in order to become more employable. This was followed by a theater style interactive puppet session conducted by Sulochana Dissanayake, who used this novel medium to address the reality of skill gaps prevalent amongst undergraduates.

The Unilever Sri Lanka HR Team also contributed to the workshop by conducting programmes focusing on four key skill gaps, which were “Assertiveness & Self Confidence”, “Communication and Presentation Skills”, “Taking the Initiative” and “External Orientation”.

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."

“Jeewithayata Aruthak” is a key annual sustainability initiative that is driven by the Unilever Sri Lanka HR team, under the pillar of “Improving Livelihoods” of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. Launched in 2010, the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan is the company’s blueprint for sustainable growth, helping to drive profitable growth for Unilever brands, save costs and fuel innovation.