‘New’ Cosmetology Program Targets Unemployment

More than 70 young women, and men from Tienpo, and surrounding towns in River Gee County, have a new path to economic independence after the Development of People, and Communities (DOPAC) launched a six-month cosmetology skills training program in Tienpo over the weekend.

The initiative targets youth with limited access to formal jobs, giving them practical training in beauty services alongside business skills to help them start small enterprises.

The program was officially launched in Nyonken City, with participants drawn from Tienpo, Mamaken, Bletiken, and other communities in Nanee Administrative District.

According to DOPAC Project Focal Person, Jestina Gaysue, the training is designed to be technical, and practical.  Participants will receive hands-on instruction in hair braiding, plaiting, and weaving, perming, hair treatment, and styling, pedicure, and manicure, makeup application, customer service, and salon management, as well as basic business management, and entrepreneurship. “We are not just teaching them how to do hair, and nails, but to turn those skills into a business, manage customers, keep records, and sustain themselves.”

DOPAC’s goal is for graduates to open small salons, offer mobile beauty services, and eventually employ others in their communities. River Gee County Youth Coordinator, Isaiah Konmod Nyanpan, urged participants to take the training seriously.   “This is an opportunity. Don’t waste it. The skills you learn here can keep you from sitting idle, and can help you support your families.”

He was joined by Ministry of Youth and Sports County Coordinator, Ben Karty, who said, vocational training remains one of the best tools to fight youth unemployment.

Local leaders expressed strong support for the program.

Nyonken General Town Chief, Philip Tweh, and Mayor of Nyonken City, Andrew N. Chea, welcomed DOPAC on behalf of the community, and pledged land, security, and cooperation to ensure the training succeeds. Women leaders, and elders also praised the focus on young women, noting that cosmetology can provide quick income, and flexible work for mothers, and school dropouts. The Tienpo training is part of DOPAC’s mission to empower women, and youth through market-driven vocational skills, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihood programs.

DOPAC says after the six months, graduates will receive start-up kits, and follow-up mentoring to help them launch beauty businesses in their locals.

With more than 70 participants registered, and strong turnout from community stakeholders, organizers say, the program signals growing demand for practical skills that can translate directly into jobs, and income.