We’ve been studying the Shaping Futures initiative recently, impressed by this UK-led plan to take hairdressing education to disadvantaged communities in countries all over the world. A global project, it’s led and supported here by UK ambassador Janet Maitland who, having spent three months working with and training some of the world’s most needy trainees, brings a wealth of experience to the task in hand.
Piloted seven years ago by a team of UK hairdressers and Schwarzkopf technical advisors in India (2010), Shaping futures has already helped more than 1700 young adults – each benefitting from the the help and support of their peers who are happy to share their knowhow. In an ambitious roll-out, Schwarzkopf Professional intends to provide 100 training programmes in 27 countries by 2020.
Most recently for the UK, Lauren Tudor @En Route Hair and Beauty, with Rhys Davidson and Gemma Slade @Rhy Davidson Hair Design travelled to Mumbai, whilst Jane DeFrancesco @ Jane Creative Hair and educator Lesley Mather headed to teach in Delhi. For two weeks in October, they took students through the foundations of a hairdressing apprenticeship in India, including providing tools such as model heads, products and appliances, and teaching skills embracing shampoo and conditioning, root retouching, various techniques for cutting and blow-drying, with basic colour theory. Bravo team Shaping Futures!
Ambassador Janet Maitland says, “The team this year worked with a new partnership with Plan International and I have the highest respect for the way that they all pulled together to respond to the huge need of giving people so much less fortunate than ourselves a chance for a new life.”