Solution description

It's challenging to introduce new 4.0 technologies to a developing nation like Sri Lanka. So, we thought 3D printing was the most suitable technology to introduce at the first stage. Because 3D printing is less advanced, affordable and understandable, compared to other 4.0 technologies, also, it involves some creativity which can attract people with less effort.

Our target group will be unemployed youth between 18- 35 age in the Kegalle district. In the initial stage, we will educate only 100 people. The reasons for targeting unemployed people are their willingness to take challenges and having enough time to dedicate.

We hope to implement our plan in 2 phases. In the first phase, the people willing to participate will be educated through a well-designed study pack. Then, they will be given practical knowledge through a 3D printing laboratory.

As soon as they complete the basics, in the second phase, they will be given knowledge of freelancing through successful freelancers to introduce them to freelancing markets where they can earn through what they learned. This is another reason for targeting unemployed youth. Once they start earning, they will be inspired and will start self-learning. So, it would be long-term and sustainable. Also, it will reduce the unemployment rate in Sri Lanka, and it will gain foreign remittance to Sri Lanka. 

The success of the project will be measured in 2 ways. The academic success will be measured by quizzes, assignments and practicals. Then, the success of the freelancing career will be measured by ratings, customer feedback, earnings and the number of projects completed in a given period.

Solution context

The main problem which will be facing is finding funds for this project. At the initial stage, we hope to find sponsors to fund the program, and with time, the people who became successful freelancers and businessmen through the project will fund it.

The next problem is competition in the freelancing markets such as Fiverr, Upwork and Freelancer etc. We hope to overcome this challenge with the guidance of successful freelancers in the country.

Solution target group

Our target group will be unemployeed youth in between 18-35 age in Kegalle district. As this is job oriented program they will be inspired with the resuts. So, the project will be sustainable.  

The reasons for selecting Kegalle as the location

Kegalle is situated in between Colombo and Kandy. So it has both rural and urban characteristics. So, if the project succeeds, the result can easily apply to both rural and urban areas. Also, it is easy to find resource persons in the Kegalle district as most of the population is well educated.

 

Solution impact

This project will educated industry 4.0 to Sri Lankan youth while reducing the rate of unemplyement in Sri Lanka. The success of the project will be measured by the career development of the student.

Solution tweet text

Introducing industry 4.0 through 3D printing to Sri Lankan youth for a better future.

Solution innovativeness

In Sri Lanka, students are taught diversified subjects in schools and other education centres. But only a few of them will be applied in the practical scenario as none of them has a second phase that guides students to the real-world job market. So, here we are going to intergrade both 3D printing and freelancing.

Solution transferability

As we have chosen a location that has both rural and urban characteristics, if we could find funds and resource persons, this would be able to apply in any site easily.

Solution sustainability

As the unemployed people will easily inspired by the earnings this will be be sustainable and will grow with the time. 

Solution team work

We enjoyed working as a team. And it was exciting to present our idea to an international audience. We hope to implement this project for a better future for Sri Lanka