FOYER NAZARETH-VIENTIANE Empowering young Laotian Women: Training in dressmaking and hairdressing
Since 2017, we have welcomed between 20 and 25 girls each year to our foyer. Most of them come from poor families and ethnic minorities. The girls or their families heard about the course through word of mouth, as the Sisters of Charity are well established in the country. Many of them had dropped out of school early, and the project offered them a unique opportunity to learn a trade. Most of them had no technical knowledge when they arrived and made remarkable progress. After acquiring the basics, they were able to work on collective projects and then on individual pieces. This year, the Nazareth centre was able to respond to a growing number of orders in Laos, both from private individuals and businesses.
The Course
The course cycle lasts nine months, from September to early June, with six months devoted to training in tailoring and three months to hairdressing. We trained three young people from our centre in tailoring and hairdressing at university and they now work with us at the centre. The training began in September and ended in June.
Training in Tailoring
The training began with intensive instruction in basic techniques: use of tools, sewing machines, etc. The seamstresses then worked on patterns and paper patterns for collective projects. The learning process was progressive, starting with simple garments (sins, traditional Laotian long skirts), then moving on to blouses, jackets and accessories (pencil cases). Finally, they were able to work on individual creations. Naturally, different levels emerged within the course and some were able to work independently more quickly than others.
Hairdressing Training
The teacher offered comprehensive theoretical and practical training in hairdressing and hair care. Develop technical skills in cutting, colouring, styling, care and advanced hairdressing, extensions and hair spa treatments. Learn the basics of make-up and how to apply it for special occasions such as weddings and parties, as there are many celebrations throughout the year in Laos. Learn techniques and products correctly and professionally. Introduce knowledge of hygiene, safety and customer management.
Comprehensive Human Training
Outside of class hours, the students participated in the daily life of the centre alongside the other students: domestic chores, recreational activities, lessons, outings, etc. In fact, this centre benefits from regular support in the area of comprehensive human development: a volunteer from Enfants du Mékong based in Vientiane is responsible for implementing the association’s educational charter. Last year, we had the pleasure of welcoming Rosalia from the Thouret Foundation for the hairdressing workshop, which was a wonderful experience for the young people.
Following the Covid-19 pandemic, we are now facing a greater challenge than ever before: education. Many children have stopped attending school and wish to work to earn money. Sadly, many parents encourage them to do so. As a result, the number of girls is decreasing both in our homes and in various schools and universities. Faced with this challenge and many others, let us try to keep hope alive so that it may strengthen our faith in God even more. Let us pray and entrust these young people and our works to God’s hand, asking Mother Jeanne Antide, on the occasion of the bicentenary, to intercede with God for us, so that we may be women of faith and charity and love the poor more and more, as she did. With this article, we take the opportunity to thank the Congregation and the Thouret Foundation for encouraging and supporting this project.