Empowerment of migrant workers through IT

Empowerment of migrant workers through the use of information technology will help them to communicate better with their families, said Director, Sri Lanka Anti Narcotics Association (SLANA), Dharshanie Guniyangoda.

She was speaking at a ceremony to launch the migrant workers' empowerment program by SLANA, Microsoft Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) on Tuesday.

Guniyangoda said the project meets SLANA's vision to provide pro-active leadership to formulate and initiate effective strategies to develop skills of vulnerable citizens and empower them to contribute to the development of the country.

The World Home' concept was created to dispel loneliness and develop effective communication skills of workers. Providing value added services will help migrant workers to widen their knowledge and seek job opportunities", she said.

Chairman, SLBFE, Kingsley Ranawana said the program will not only guide migrant workers but also their families and returnees on how best to use their savings to develop business plans and build capacity for self-employment.

Microsoft Sri Lanka is offering its services as a part of its initiative to bridge the digital divide between migrant workers and their families.

Through the partnership, 15 training centres will be set up islandwide to upgrade the quality work of migrant workers.

LF