Dromara hairdresser Rachel Philippines-bound

Dromara hairdresser Rachel Philippines-bound

13 March 2019

DROMARA hairstylist Rachel Kirk is to use her skills to help train a generation of young hairdressers in the Philippines as part of a national initiative.

Rachel has been chosen by global haircare brand Schwarzkopf Professional to join its 2019 charity, Shaping Futures, supported by the Fritz Henkel Stiftung.

Rachel, who is the owner of Brassy2sassy Hair Parlour, will join seven other UK hairdressers as they travel to the western Pacific in April as part of the Shaping Futures team.

The group will spend a total of six weeks teaching the young people the essentials of hairdressing; from cutting and colouring through to styling. Each pair of volunteers will spend two weeks teaching, before handing over to the next pair.

Following the six-week course from April 14 to May 24, the students will be offered further training or employment opportunities with local salon group, David’s Salons.

Rachel, who will be in the Philippines from May 13, said: “Every young person who takes part in Shaping Futures has experienced trauma and poverty but thanks to this initiative they are given the skills to build a new, safe life for themselves. 

“I was completely over the moon when I got the phone call to say I had been selected to become a Shaping Futures volunteer. This is one of the biggest achievements of my life. 

“I feel after all my years of training, I can show my skills to someone to change their life and give them a better chance of a better future.”

Shaping Futures has been running since 2009, and this year marks its 10th anniversary. UK volunteers have helped over 300 young people learn the skills of hairdressing.

Shaping Futures has helped hundreds of youngsters from the SOS Children’s Villages to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.

Each volunteer has been asked to fundraise around £1,500 for the SOS Children’s Villages charity and the additional money needed to cover their expenses.

For further information on Shaping Futures, visit http://www.schwarzkopf-professional.co.uk/skp/uk/en/home/shaping-futures/what-we-do.html.