Margibi County –The first 30 beneficiaries of Liberia’s First Lady Clar Marie Weah’s Girls’ Empowerment Program have expressed delight over new skills they have attained in hair production, following intensive training at the Henan Ruimei Hair Company in China.
Speaking Sunday, August 11, at the Roberts International Airport when they return to Liberia, the girls in separate statements said they see the skills as a gateway to providing opportunities for other Liberians.
They return from China, following completion of a four-week industrial hair production training, sponsor by the Clar Hope Foundation.
They will reportedly become the first employees of the Henan Ruimei Company which is expected to set up a branch in Liberia soon.
Arthur Doughlas, Communication Head in the office of the First Lady, said the company is expected to invest in hair production after it has set up in Liberia.
Douglas noted that arrangements and mechanisms for the construction and operation of the factory in Liberia are at advanced stages between the government of Liberia and the Chinese world-class hair-producing company.
At the RIA, the girls told reporters that the month-long training provided them the necessary skills in hair cutting and chemical treatment of hair, chemical removal without a sharp blade, fashion trend, wigs, hair braiding and analysis among others.
One of the beneficiaries who spoke with FrontPageAfrica, Savana D. Johnson, said she and her counterparts can now help to improve Liberia’s economy through the skills gained by setting up their own businesses and employing others.
“I am happy to be back in my country and what I learn, I want to show my talent and impact the knowledge to my fellow Liberian girls.”
“We are appealing to the government for mini-loans to be provided for us, the beneficiaries so that we can set up business centers or shop to utilize our new skills, while the company is yet to come to Liberia,” student Johnson averred.
Student Johnson, who top the training class, is urging other females of her class to take advantage of opportunities that may come their way. Johnson lauded Madam Weah for providing Liberian girls the opportunity to learn new skills.
Another student Anita Nimely said those who benefited from the training in China must show similar seriousness demonstrated in China whenever an opportunity to utilize their skills is provided in Liberia
“Whenever the company that they are talking about come to Liberia, I want us to be very serious, so that the opportunity provided us cannot go in vain, but to help Liberia,” student Nimely asserted.
The girls, ages 18-25 years, acquire hair production skills at the world’s second-leading producer of wig, fake hair, and related products.
First Lady Clar Weah has since expressed delight over the successful completion of the training, lauding the girls for not only conducting themselves well but also performing exceptionally in their studies.
The Liberian First Lady said she’s proud of the girls and was joyfully awaiting their safe arrival back home.
She also thanked the President of the Hair Company, Madam Zhang, for collaborating with her foundation to positively impact the lives of Liberian women and girls.
Established in June 2018 by Mrs. Weah, the Foundation is a not-for-profit and non-political organization with a mission to provide support and opportunities for women and children to improve their livelihoods in Liberia.