A necessary ingredient in breaking the cycle of poverty in which many Sri Lankan girls and women find themselves is to offer training to teens and young adults in trades, computers or other marketable skills. The Grace Vocational Training Center, established in October 2003, provides up to 100 students a year with free courses and, in some cases, dormitory space.  Having studious, ambitious young women residing in the Grace compound provides yet another strand in the community fabric of Grace - these young women are admirable role models for the Grace girls who stay at the orphanage.

The six-month training programs are only available to destitute women - among the least empowered and most vulnerable of all groups in Sri Lanka. Along with traditional trades including sewing (the textile market is among the leaders of the country’s economy), Grace offers training in health care and computer courses to help this generation become competitive in the world market.

With your help, we can continue to provide our neighbors with the skills to pull themselves out of poverty, to have a chance at living more meaningful lives. Please consider donating now.