By Free a Girl | Project Officer
Free a Girl together with partners recently organised a two-week intensive hairdressing vocational training course in Nepal, in order to build the skills, economic independence and self-confidence of victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation so that they are able to create their own paths in life. A two-week ‘Longhair Training’ course was delivered by 3 professional hairdressers to 4 participants. The focus was on basic cutting techniques for untrained students and intermediate level techniques for previously trained students.
Participants were provided a complete hairdressing set, training guide booklet, and diploma (in basic skills). This enables them to continue the practice of hairdressing when they return and resettle in the community, or while they are staying at the Half-Way homes.
Access to and affordability of vocational training and education opportunities can be challenging in Nepal, particularly considering the disadvantaged position of these girls who are victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation. Most of the working population in Nepal without secondary level education have fewer chances to receive vocational training or engage in gainful employment.[1] As a result, many Nepalese workers are bound to unskilled labor with lower wages.[2] Attainment of education and training is vital and inherently corresponds with levels of poverty and health and well-being of the population.
The reactions of the participants to the hairdressing training were extremely positive. Before and after self-assessment surveys were provided to the participants. Based on the surveys the girls reported that they gained more experience in hairdressing and were appreciative of the training opportunity and perceived it to be beneficial for their future employment opportunities.
[1] Tanka Nath Sharma, “Poverty Reduction Initiatives in Nepal with Special Reference to Technical Education and Vocational Training”, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Development Journal (Bhaktapur, Nepal: Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training, 2012), 3
[2]Ibid.
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
