On Monday we celebrated the success
of the young women living in Athidiya who have recently completed the 3 month
hair and beauty training programme, run by Cheryl of CG Hairdressing and her
team.
It was a lovely occasion at the
centre in Athidiya with a welcome speech by Sister Concepta followed by the
certificate giving and of course a piece or two of celebratory cake! Two of the ‘graduates’ also made an impromptu
thank you speech and what they said really highlights how successful the
training has been. They talked of how
the training had changed their lives for the better and that the support and
love that was given to them by the trainers made their confidence increase and
realise their self-worth. They also
talked of how they can now see a bright future and realise that there is
another way to how they have been living up to now.
Over half the women who completed
the training are looking for a job working in a salon with the help of
Cheryl. Most have been on interviews and
some have already secured positions in top salons in Colombo. The remaining women are working from home with their new
skills. All have already had paying customers!
It will be interesting to speak to the students in the next few months
and see how their plans have developed. Cheryl
is also keen to keep in contact with the trainees and support them in the
future if they wish.
I think it is no exaggeration when I say that I can
see the change in these young people myself.
They are brimming with confidence, have plans for the future and
realistic aspirations. All the women
personally thanked Cheryl and her team for the great opportunity and also
wanted to pass on their thanks to Asha Trust. So on behalf of all the women who graduated
on Monday thank you to all those who supported this project – you have made a
real difference to these women's lives!
Katherine
 |
| The women sign to confirm they have received the completion bonus and say a little thank you to Asha! |
