DutchConnect is a Dutch foundation, initiated by a Dutch couple living and working in Sri Lanka. After the devastating tsunami they, together with a group of like-minded people, set about helping the deeply afflicted people of Sri Lanka’s South coast. Thanks to their years of experience in Sri Lanka, the foundation now has an extensive network in the country. Thefoundation can draw on a number of skilful and reliable Sri Lankan specialists. In the Netherlands, all the work is carried out by volunteers, so overhead costs are neglectable Until recent, the activities of DutchConnect has focused mainly on psychosocial support, empowerment and support of activity programs for children. These projects are run by Dutch volunteers in Sri Lanka who participate in governmental programs. The volunteers train local people to continue these programs independently. For Sri Lankan youth, it’s very difficult to establish a decent way of living. DutchConnect has investigated ways to enhance the possibilities of a better future for this part of the population.

It turned out that besides housing and infrastructural improvements, there is a particular shortage of high quality vocational training programs. Enthusiastic support from a large bakery in the Netherlands, combined with the goals of the DutchConnect foundation, led to a new project in which the establishment of a professional bakery is being linked to vocational training. The bakery in Sri Lanka will provide the practical training and will generate a continuing source of income for the training program. The classrooms of the bakery school also provide the opportunity to accommodate other courses and activities carried out by the foundation. Possibly, these will also be financed by means of the bakery project.

Enthusiastic support from a large bakery in the Netherlands, combined with the goals of the DutchConnect foundation, led to a new project in which the establishment of a professional bakery is being linked to vocational training. The bakery in Sri Lanka will provide the practical training and will generate a continuing source of income for the training program. The classrooms of the bakery school also provide the opportunity to accommodate other courses and activities carried out by the foundation. Possibly, these will also be financed by means of the bakery project.

DutchConnect (sl)

In Sri Lanka DutchConnect is represented by DutchConnect sl. It consists of three or more people appointed by DCnl. DCsl will advise and assist DCnl and NDF asked and unasked on all matters concerning the project. DCsl will report to DCnl on the general project progress and future steps.

Organogram.