Hairdressing graduates ‘pay it forward’
A group of women who graduated from a hairdressing training course used their skills to spoil seniors at Erica Place old age home in Silvertown.
The Women’s Circle, a non-profit organisation, has been offering training in hairdressing, sewing, graphic design, DIY and beauty since 2006.
The women who offered free hairdos to the seniors completed their course in 2019. As part of their free training, they had to do practicals, which they did at Erica Place every three months. In this way, the students got practical training and the seniors got free hairdos.
This time around, however, some graduates decided to “pay-it-forward” by giving the seniors a free wash and blow-dry on Thursday November 28.
Karshiefa Williams, who led the group, said their initiative formed part of the Amina Rajap Hope and Care Foundation.
“Whenever new participants joined the training, they would do their practicals at Erica Place. Our group, under the banner of the foundation, decided to go beyond just doing our practicals and offer free wash and blow-dries every second month, even though we are not obligated to do it,” Ms Williams said.
Erica Place resident Mary-Jane Jwamvi, 64, who was among the seniors to be treated, said she appreciated their effort.
“It’s quite exciting for us. It’s so nice of them to come and give us a treat,” she said.
Occupational therapist Malickah van Rooi said the home appreciated such gestures.
“This is something the seniors look forward to. It makes them feel special. Once their hair is done, they often ask for some lipstick too. It really gives them a boost,” Ms Van Rooi said.
