Hairstyling students empower Guatemalan communities with entrepreneurial skills
Nov. 26, 2024
Did you know that Georgian College’s Hairstyling program is making an impact locally, but also globally? Recently, three students from the program joined Hair Aid’s international project in Guatemala, funded by the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO) program, to provide entrepreneurial training and free haircuts to local residents. During their downtime, they were also able to spend time in the city and immerse themselves in Guatemalan culture.
Throughout five days, the locals learned five basic haircuts. With their newfound skills and hair-cutting kits donated through Hair Aid, they now feel confident to open their own businesses and start earning money to feed their children. Many of the Hair Aid trainees who participated in this international project are mothers in need of such entrepreneurial skills.
It was so powerful to see our students boost their self-confidence by teaching the locals what they have learned in the classroom. I saw so much growth in our students.
Rena Lang, Hairstyling Program Coordinator, Georgian College
We spoke with three students who attended the trip, Kaylee Magani, Adriana Flores and Abigayle Mcginty. Most of the participants have limited travel experience or have never travelled outside of Canada.
Why did you apply for this trip?
“I have participated in a French exchange before, and I lived abroad in the past, and this gave me interest in exchange opportunities. I always wanted to participate in mission-type opportunities. That’s why I wanted to take part in this.”
“I was inspired by the by the story of the Hair Aid organization and how they helped the community in need. I wanted to take part in this opportunity to help others.”
“I’m involved in charity work, and that’s why I would love to help and teach people how to do things in this project. I also thought this was a great skill-building opportunity that I could use toward my future apprenticeship.”
What was your experience like in Guatemala?
My experience was amazing. Being with the women and youth and seeing how eager they were and how well they picked up on everything was amazing. They were so proud of themselves, and it was absolutely heartwarming. I loved working with Rena (our program coordinator) and getting to know the other girls. I would love to come back to Georgian at any point to speak with students about this opportunity.
“My highlight moment was realizing how thankful all these women were that I got to share some of my own knowledge with them for their future. For me this is the most valuable experience I had on this trip.”
Would you recommend this global experience program to other students?
“This is absolutely a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ll speak highly of this trip over and over to anyone who asks me! Georgian should absolutely continue offering such opportunities. The ability to send students abroad is amazing. Thank you so much for this opportunity.”
“It’s 100 per cent fulfilling to any human to be able to help others in need. My heart is filled with the good I did for those women, and I take that with me for the rest of my life. And yes, Georgian should continue offering such global experiences because it’s always a growth opportunity. “
When I first told my daughter that I was going on this trip, she did not want me to go. But after I explained to her that I’m going to help mothers and little kids that need very basic things, she told me that she understood and said, “Mami, I understand now! I’m really going to miss you but, it’s ok because you’re going to help the moms there, and I want to share my teddies with the little children in Guatemala because no little children should sleep without a teddy at night.”
We also spoke with the founder of Hair Aid, Selina Tomasich, about the importance of such projects as well as Georgian College’s involvement in this year’s project.
At Hair Aid, our mission is to empower individuals through the simple act of sharing skills and seeing Georgian College Hairstyling students embrace this mission so wholeheartedly is truly inspiring. By teaching basic hairdressing techniques, these students didn’t just provide a skill; they created opportunities for women and youth to change their lives and build sustainable futures.
Selina Tomasich, Founder, Hair Aid
The impact of these projects reaches far beyond the immediate community. It’s a ripple effect – a gift that keeps on giving. Watching students grow in confidence and witnessing their deep connection with the locals reminds us why partnerships like this are so vital. We’re grateful to Georgian College for making this collaboration possible and hope it inspires others to take part in life-changing initiatives like these.
During this international project, Georgian College and Hair Aid also partnered with FUNCOLI – Free Hearts Foundation to provide the training to locals in the community of Vuelta Grande. FUNCOLI supports health and education in Guatemala, and since 2007, they have been working in the village of Vuelta Grande. FUNCOLI’s mission is to provide health, education and local development services to low-income people to achieve and promote the empowerment and economic development of their communities.
At FUNCOLI, we believe in the power of education, health, and shared experiences to transform lives. Hosting the Hair Aid Team was a remarkable opportunity for our community in Vuelta Grande. Local women, especially mothers, gained valuable hairstyling skills that they can now use to support their families or start small businesses. This collaboration was equally impactful for the Georgian College Hairstyling program students, who immersed themselves in our culture and shared their expertise with open hearts. The experience not only empowered the women but also inspired personal growth in the students, creating a meaningful exchange of knowledge and humanity.
Camila Fernandez, President, FUNCOLI – Free Hearts Foundation, Guatemala
We are deeply grateful for this partnership with Hair Aid and Georgian College. Projects like these have a ripple effect, creating sustainable opportunities and fostering hope. We invite more students and volunteers to join us in making a difference. Together, we can continue to build brighter futures for communities in Guatemala.