Since 2019, a life-changing Healthcare Nurse Assistant Training Programme has been successfully running in the Batticaloa District, with funding support from MIOT UK. The training is delivered through a Registered Vocational Training Centre in the region, offering young women a pathway into the healthcare sector.
Each year, 25 young girls are selected to undergo a comprehensive one-year training programme, which includes:
- 6 months of in-house theoretical training,
- Followed by 6 months of practical hands-on experience in local hospitals.
The curriculum covers essential areas such as:
- Basic nursing and caregiving skills,
- Basic life support,
- First aid training (conducted in collaboration with the Red Cross).
The programme is led by a retired Matron, supported by experienced lecturers from the Eastern University’s Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, ensuring high-quality instruction.
A key aspect of the programme is that it is completely free of charge to the trainees. All costs, including course fees, uniforms, and shoes, are fully covered by the funding body.
Strong Impact and Employment Outcomes
To date, 125 young women have been trained through this initiative. Impressively, 99% of graduates from the previous years are now employed—a testament to the effectiveness and relevance of the training.
This initiative not only equips young women with valuable skills but also opens doors to meaningful employment in the healthcare sector, contributing to both personal and community development in the region.

