Barber training for persons with disabilities
─ “It is pretty much an honour to learn barbering because not a lot of people get the opportunity to actually learn it” – Peter Fraser
DPI, Monday, Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Stage two of the Beauty Care programme at the Open Doors Centre began on Monday, as three male students from the centre were given the opportunity to receive training in Barbering at Kevin’s Reflections.
The students were selected to undergo training in the fundamental techniques of barbering for ten weeks. This programme is fully funded by the Ministry of Public Health. Peter Fraser and Anthony Canterbury who are two of the three students selected for the programme, were ready and anxious to experience training in barbering for the first time.
“It is pretty much an honour to learn barbering because not a lot of people get the opportunity to actually learn it. There are people who have a dream to become a barber [but don’t have this opportunity]. [It is good] to actually have a trade that could benefit [you] in the future. It is a great honour,” Fraser stated.
Both Fraser and Canterbury are students with mental disorders that cause them to have mental capacities similar to that of a ten-year-old. However, the students are under the leadership of a barber who has been in the profession for almost three decades, and he sees great potential in them as they pursue this skill.
Kevin John, the owner of Kevin’s Reflections and a teacher of barbering, believes that the students could easily acquire the skill. “I am very happy and intrigued to be part of changing anyone’s life. The method is already super simple as it may be. But of course, we intend to soften the method. But while the method is important, we still have to ensure that there is still a level of practice to perfect the art of barbering.”
The manager at Open Doors Centre, Arthur Lewis said that this initiative was implemented to move away from only pursuing technical skills such as Information Technology and other famous programmes being offered at institutions. This programme enables differently-abled students to explore more opportunities to succeed. The idea of the barbering course as stage two of the Beauty Care programme was provided as an option for the students who had an interest in pursuing a career in the field. After completing this programme, the students will receive a certificate from Kevin’s Reflection to validate their qualification in barbering.
Alleya Hamilton.
Images: Ameer Sattaur.