An annual skills-development programme aimed at unemployed women and youth afforded participants an opportunity to undergo hairdressing training.
This year’s training programme, offered by the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) and supported by the provincial Department of Social Development, ran from Monday 2 to Monday 23 June, accommodating 14 participants from Stellenbosch. It concluded with a certificate ceremony celebrating successful completion and recognising hard work and dedication.
The programme aimed to equip participants with practical skills that open doors to independence, empowerment and economic resilience.
Councillor Minnie Petersen, CWDM portfolio holder for Rural and Social Development, shared the following sentiment: “Because it’s Youth Month we want to empower our young people and help them become self-sufficient and independent to thrive and contribute to society. We also wish to provide women with the necessary skills to take care of their own financial needs.”
The training course comprised both practical and theoretical components, which included basic hair therapy, personal health and hygiene, occupational health and safety in the workplace, client consultation and salon administration.
Along with the practical and theoretical components, participants received a start-up toolkit comprising a professional 200-watt salon hairdryer, a brush set, professional ceramic straightener (flat iron), one set of small, medium and large rollers, combs, scissors, a black towel and protective clothing or uniform.
Now that the participants have successfully completed the programme, they have the skills to start their own businesses.
