Free haircuts give students a sharp start to the new school term

Final preparations are in full swing for the new school term, which officially begins Monday.

On Sunday, several barbers — some graduates and others currently enrolled in the Second Chance Lessons programme — provided free haircuts to 50 children at the Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust’s Annual Back-to-School Hair Cutting Initiative, held at the Drug Education and Counselling Services’ Youth Empowered and Alive Centre, Roebuck Street, St Michael.

Director and Chairman of Drug Education and Counselling Services and the Second Chance Lessons, Roger Husbands, said the event was about giving back and expressed gratitude for the partnerships with the Eden Lodge Charitable Trust and the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust.

“The Second Chance Lessons programme has a number of courses attached to it. We have barbering, tiling, electrical – you name it – and [they are] all CXC classes.”

Instructor Dave Searles worked closely with the young barbers.

Operating under the watchful eye of course instructor Dave Searles, the young barbers worked diligently, catering to each client’s request. Searles highlighted that the initiative not only supports families but also provides essential hands-on training for students.

“Everybody is not fortunate enough, with the rising cost, to take their kids to get that professional look. This is twofold; this gives the boys a chance to do their practical. Here at the institution, this is a practical-based subject,” he said.

“Your certificate is gained when you actually demonstrate that you can carry out the cut.”

Underscoring the programme’s philanthropic mission, Searles added: “The kids who really need the service, they come and get it, and it is under my guidance.” He also emphasised its role in guiding at-risk youth.

“We are saving some boys. Most of the boys that do this programme would be teetering on the edge of getting into some mischievous thing, and once these boys find their way and they find something they love, you see the transformation.”

Parents also expressed their appreciation. Shanice Hinds, a mother of three, told Barbados TODAY, “I want to give the Eden Lodge Charitable Trust a warm thank you for assisting me and my kids for the past three years. I also want to give a big thank you to the sponsors”. (STT)