In most cases "fashion" is unlikely to have a connection with "underprivileged", but the SIE funded venture Eforia links the two to create for society an unexpected impact.
It originated from a customer's recommendation made to the hip salon in which Queenie Wong works, about providing on-the-job training to girls with hearing-impairment. This made Queenie realise the lack of training or job opportunities is barring the underprivileged groups from integrating into society, despite their talent. She envisages more can be done with hairstyling profession. Besides hiring the hearing-impaired as assistants, Queenie and her team gained support from the salon owner to found the Eforia training programme. In cooperation with HKSKH Lady MacLehose Centre, Eforia provides professional training in hairstyling and hair accessory making to South Asian women. "They are endowed with artistic sense and creativity in hair knitting. Our training can unleash their talent and help them attain self-recognition and job satisfaction."
Queenie believes that "to help" and "self-help" are two sides of a coin. "The headdresses make our customers look more beautiful, while the South Asian women can enjoy a better living through gainful employment." The project will collaborate with cancer organisations in designing headdresses for cancer patients who suffered from hair loss and thus enhancing their self-confidence. "We hope our work can encourage others in the styling industry to contribute to the society and benefit more."
Profession
businessScope of Services
vocational training
community artBeneficiaries
people of diverse raceRead more
(To be updated)