Surrounded by the coastal landscapes of southern Sri Lanka, the DVV International Board Delegation visited the NARA Training Centre in Rekawa to observe community based fisheries initiatives connected to lifelong learning, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
Together with Esther Hirsch, Executive Director of DVV International, Sonja Belete, Regional Director for South Asia, and the DVV International Sri Lanka team, the delegation observed practical training related to dry fish processing, Maldive fish preparation, hygiene practices, packaging methods, and small scale entrepreneurship development.
One of the most inspiring stories shared during the visit was that of Mrs. Muthumala from Dickwella, a coastal town known for tourism and fisheries related livelihoods. Through training and knowledge gained from NARA programmes, she developed successful livelihood activities connected to fisheries value addition and entrepreneurship.
Today, she hopes to further share her knowledge, practical techniques, and experiences with other young people and NEETs within her village community. Her story reflected how community based learning can gradually grow into local leadership, peer learning, and entrepreneurship within rural settings.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening value addition practices within Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector while preserving local knowledge systems and community experiences passed from generation to generation.