Schwarzkopf Professional is sharing the transformative impact its hairdressing education initiative has had on young people in the Philippines this year.
Shaping Futures, in partnership with SOS Children’s Village in the Philippines, is a training programme that gives young people from developing countries the chance to learn the universal skill of hairdressing. Over the course of six weeks, groups of volunteers take the trip of a lifetime, using their hairdressing know-how to support a group of young people to not only learn a new trade, but give them the skills they need to build a profitable and sustainable career.
Now in its 13th year, the Shaping Futures initiative, supported by Fritz Henkel Stiftung, aims to empower disadvantaged young people by giving them the tools and confidence to create a better future for themselves. Following the training, Schwarzkopf Professional also organises follow-up apprenticeships, so graduates can hone their skills and start to earn a living.
Jerome Wilson, Schwarzkopf Shaping Futures volunteer, said: “If I can share my privilege or a little bit of knowledge, or just give someone a little bit of warmth, give them confidence, that for me is what I would be proud to do with this project.
“Family is so important and feeling accepted is something that the Shaping Futures at SOS Village excels in by making people feel a part of a family. My only expectation from the trainees is to grab the knowledge, grab the opportunity.”
Julia Schwittai, Schwarzkopf volunteer, adds: “To give my time and my expertise to a project like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m just so grateful to be a part of it and give people something back.”
Here’s what this year’s trainees had to say about their experience with Shaping Futures:
“The pandemic seriously affected me and my family. I lost my job while my husband was just a farmer. I joined because I wanted to help out my family and have a business. I would also like to share what I have learned with others.” - Lydia Rocafort, trainee at SOS Children's Village Tacloban.
“When I was young, I was always interested in hairdressing. Now I will be able to help my parents out financially.” - Jerelyn Del Rey, trainee at SOS Children's Village Lipa.
“It has meant a great deal to me to be part of this training because not everyone gets to be part of something like this. You get trained so that it leads to a job in the future.” - Joana Grado, trainee at SOS Children's Village Manila.
“I would like to work so that I am able to help my family, because it pains me to see my parents work so hard while I’m not doing anything. When I became part of the project, it was one of the happiest moments of my life. I told myself, this is it. It's given me hope, to see what I can be and where I can go.” - Delmark Cabuguas, trainee at SOS Children's Village Davad.
“I have a history of cerebral schistosomiasis. Every two years I take medicine so that I won’t have seizures. This program is important to me because I have more chances to find a job and more opportunities waiting for me. It is also possible for me to start a business.” - Jeffrey Espina, trainee at SOS Children's Village Tacloban.
More about shaping futures...
Born from a small Japanese project with Cambodian street children in 2008, Shaping Futures evolved into a global initiative in 2010 when Schwarzkopf Professional partnered with SOS Children’s Villages – a leading non-profit organisation. Since then, Shaping Futures has helped thousands of young people across 27 countries gain valuable skills to move towards a brighter future.
Romil Rayos, SOS Children's Villages Deputy National Director, said: “I would like to thank Henkel for partnering with SOS Children's Villages, Philippines, in presenting our youth with this opportunity for employment. When youth are given chances to improve themselves, they will be empowered to face their future.”
Kay Brady, National PPS Manager UK & IRE for Schwarzkopf Professional, said: “This programme is incredibly important and over the past 13 years, we’ve helped hundreds of young people from the SOS Children’s Villages fulfil their dreams and aspirations. We are incredibly proud of all the people involved, but especially the young people who fight every day to create their own futures; they are inspirations to us all.”
You can find out more about Schwarkopf Professional's involvement with the charity here.
