388 Graduate From Tunapuna Hairdressing Programme
More than 300 aspiring hairstylists have graduated from a hairdressing course in Tunapuna, courtesy of Minister of Homeland Security and Member of Parliament Roger Alexander.
Advocating for skills training as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and crime prevention, Minister Alexander expressed pride in the 388 graduates of the hairdressing course.
« To encourage the youths to go in a particular direction, which is a positive one, is my main focus. Not because I’m involved in this law enforcement aspect of Homeland Security that means that I must do just that, because I’m in an advantageous position to see what the youths need, who needs it the most, what direction I should send them in, and all of that. »
He said the programme forms part of a wider community-based crime prevention strategy to keep young people away from gangs and criminal activity.
« This is what I’ve been saying to you all all the time and people think that it is a negative thing. Let’s introduce these Zones of Operation. Let us pump resources into a particular community. Let’s change the way people look at things. Let’s change the way these citizens re-operate inside. The first thing we do we treat with the criminal elements. And then, what do we do? We touch the lives of all youths around and give them that sense of a new sense of belonging – that they don’t belong to no gang and no number and all of that. »
Participants also heard from successful professionals. One such person was Tricia Matthews, also known as the « ponytail boss ».
« Never let anyone tell you that hairdressing isn’t a real job. Hairdressing is a real career, it can change your life, it can take you places, provide for your family and even create generational wealth when you build your business the right way. »
Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John challenged the graduates to remain disciplined and persistent, urging them to seize every opportunity to gain experience, even if it means starting from the bottom.
« Tomorrow morning, never mind what you’re hearing, that hairdressing salons ain’t taking on anybody – you go and knock on doors, and if they say we don’t want anybody today, business slow, say I will work for free. Do it, wash the towels, clean the sink, pick up the hair because you know them hairdressers ain’t allowing you to wash no hair just yet, unless they know you. You have to take it in stages and show up every day, and when you show up, how you have to show up? On time. »
MP Alexander also announced that upcoming training opportunities in barbering and small appliance repair will soon be available for constituents.
