Baking a Better Future: Empowering Young Women Through Skills and Passion

4^th July 2025
Deogracious Isaac O.

In partnership with the National Youth Council (NYC), INDECOS (Institute for Development of Community Strengths) plays a vital role in empowering young people at the community level. This effort is made even more impactful through the collaboration with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Together, these partners work to ensure that youth—especially those from marginalized or under-served backgrounds—have access to meaningful training, guidance, and opportunities for growth.

WUSC and GAC are committed to the development and empowerment of youth not only in Sri Lanka but across the globe, promoting inclusive education, gender equality, skills development, and sustainable livelihoods. Their support strengthens local initiatives like those led by INDECOS, enabling tailored support and mentorship that meets the specific needs of each community.

For this current cohort, 18 young individuals are being supported by INDECOS through this partnership. These youth are enrolled in vocational programs, including Bakery & Pastry, and benefit from career counseling, soft skills training, and life skills development. Thanks to this collaborative model, these young people are not only gaining the tools they need for employment but are also growing into confident, capable contributors to their communities.

Shanika’s Story: Finding Her Place Through Passion

At just 20 years old, Shanika had recently completed her A-levels in 2024 and was unsure of her next steps. Like many others, she faced the pressure of societal expectations and limited job opportunities. But when she got the free career guidance provided by NYC about this program being offered by INDECOS, she took a leap of faith and enrolled in the Bakery & Pastry course—a field she had always loved.

With guidance and support from INDECOS and National Youth Council, Shanika quickly found her footing. She enjoyed the friendly competition with classmates, which has pushed her to grow and improve. She discovered a deep love for cake-making and began to imagine a future in the hospitality sector. Today, she dreams of working at a highway service station as a cashier, combining her skills in baking and customer service.

Shanika now encourages other girls to join the program, confidently stating that it has changed her life and helped her recognize her strengths.

Dilani’s Story: Defying Gender Norms and Rising Above Doubt

Dilani, also 20 years old, joined the program soon after finishing her A-levels. Her decision to pursue Bakery & Pastry wasn’t an easy one. Many around her insisted it was “not for girls.” But Dilani chose to listen to her heart—and to the career guidance officer she met through the INDECOS program.

Today, thanks to the skills training and emotional support she’s received, Dilani is thriving. She’s learned to make a wide range of products—breads, buns, and pastries—that are loved by everyone around her. She is now teaching others, a role that has built her confidence and leadership abilities. Her goal is to become a professional chef in a hotel—a dream that felt distant until she received this support.

Dilani now actively invites other girls to join, determined to break stereotypes and prove that passion and talent know no gender.

The Impact: Empowerment Through Opportunity

These stories are just a glimpse of the transformation made possible through the joint efforts of INDECOS, National Youth Council, WUSC, and Global Affairs Canada. For girls like Shanika and Dilani, the support they’ve received goes far beyond vocational training—it has opened doors to self-belief, economic independence, and leadership.

As these young women step forward, they carry with them not only a new set of skills but a powerful message: with the right support, youth can break barriers, defy expectations, and shape their own futures.