LSF, in collaboration with Cornerstone Youth Development Centre Trust (CYDC) http://cydc.info/ in Sri Lanka, is developing a Community Centre for the purpose of providing educational and vocational training for youths in the general area of Mylankadu village, about 10km northeast of Jaffna (2km from Chunnakam). Mylankadu is mostly inhabited by agricultural labourers, who have been disadvantaged due to socio economic circumstances. Due to low family incomes, most children are compelled to work before they can complete schooling.
In January 2019, LSF provided Rs 6.4 million through sponsorships provided by a benevolent family in Sydney. This was used to:
a) Purchase a 70 perch property with a disused rice mill in Mylankadu at a cost of Rs 5.25 million, to build the Community Centre,
b) Renovate the buildings to bring up to a condition suitable for conducting training and classes for youth.
At the beginning of 2018 and 2019, school books, school bags and other equipment were provided to needy school children in the area jointly by LSF and CYDC.
Once the Community Centre is operational, it will provide:
- Special classes for school children including English and computer training.
- Vocational training for youths in computer graphics design, welding, automobile mechanics, and beautician training, to National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) standards.
- A free meal every day for school children and youth attending classes or vocational training.
- Sports facilities including cricket, soccer, and netball.