USAID and Pizza Hut Open First of 28 Commercial Training Kitchens for Sri Lankan Youth

Funded by a US$ 1.3 million grant from the Yum! Brands Foundation, the vocational training kitchen initiative titled ‘An Equal Slice for Everyone’ is the first in a series implemented through a partnership between USAID’s Youth Employment and Business Start-Up activity, YouLead; Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka, the owner of the Pizza Hut franchise in Sri Lanka; and the Sevalanka Foundation.

Through YouLead, USAID will assist in the development of new curricula aligned to global industry best practices and provide training for vocational instructors and assessors who will deliver the training and certify learning outcomes. Implemented by IESC, YouLead aims to improve vocational education in Sri Lanka, build a more skilled workforce, and link youth to productive careers.

“I am proud to see so many U.S. brands participating in this program and throwing their support behind the career development of Sri Lanka’s talented youth,” said Mr. Micah Globerson, Deputy Director Economic Growth Office of USAID. “It is particularly encouraging to note that the program helps marginalized youth to gain access to skills training and jobs in a growing industry.”