Sri Lanka is at a pivotal point, experiencing a demographic transition that presents unique opportunities for economic and social growth. With a large portion of the population in the 15-29 age group, there is an urgent need to provide sustainable employment solutions for the country’s youth, particularly those in rural areas. Amidst challenges like unemployment, poverty, and limited access to skills development, the healthcare sector emerges as a promising avenue for empowering the youth. Nursing, in particular, offers a significant solution to the youth unemployment crisis. The global demand for nursing professionals is growing rapidly, driven by an aging population and the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries are facing shortages in healthcare professionals, making nursing one of the most secure and sought-after professions worldwide. Sri Lanka, with its high literacy rate and skilled youth population, is well-positioned to meet this global demand.
The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) is leading the way by providing internationally recognized nursing education that creates local and global employment opportunities. Through collaborations with global universities and healthcare institutions, IIHS aims to empower rural youth by offering vocational qualifications and bachelor’s degrees in nursing. These programs are designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, ensuring that youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds can pursue a sustainable career in healthcare. IIHS’s nursing programs align with Sri Lanka’s national goals of developing a knowledge-based economy by exporting skilled labour. In partnership with public and private sector organizations, including Skills Development Fund Ltd and the Foreign Employment Bureau, the initiative offers students soft loan schemes and access to job placements in both Sri Lankan and international healthcare sectors. As Sri Lanka moves towards building a strong healthcare workforce, the empowerment of rural youth through nursing education not only addresses the national challenges of unemployment and economic stagnation but also positions the country as a hub for skilled healthcare professionals in the global market. Through IIHS, the youth of Sri Lanka have a clear pathway to build a future that benefits both themselves and the nation.