Beirut, September 14, 2023: Under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abbas Halabi, Minister of Education and Higher Education, L’Oréal Liban, in partnership with the Kayany Foundation, celebrated the graduation of 105 students from its ‘Beauty for a Better Life’ program. The ceremony took place on September 13 at Saint Joseph University (USJ) Science & Technology Campus in Mar Roukoz.
Established in 2009 by the L’Oréal Foundation, the international program ‘Beauty for a Better Life’ offers free high-quality vocational training in the beauty industry, to individuals facing economic or social vulnerabilities, with a particular focus on women. Its aim is to assist these individuals in gaining employment, starting their own businesses, and reintegrating into society. Currently operating in 27 countries in collaboration with 60 local associations, the program provides training at 123 centers. Since its inception, over 35,000 individuals have benefited from free training in hairdressing, makeup, manicures, and beauty advice.”
In Lebanon, the ‘Beauty for a Better Life’ program was initiated in 2014 in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages. In 2018, this initiative expanded with the collaboration of the Kayany Foundation. In response to the ongoing economic challenges in Lebanon, L’Oréal Liban took proactive steps by launching a third academy in Taanayel – Bekaa in 2022. This strategic move is a part of their commitment to assist young people in overcoming economic hurdles. The program provides participants with professional training sessions delivered by experts in training centers equipped with cutting-edge tools. Despite various obstacles, the program has successfully trained over 800 young Lebanese and Syrian graduates to date.
Ms. Emily Wahab Harb, Managing Director at L’Oréal Liban, made the opening speech during which she asserted that “the ‘Beauty for a Better Life’ program reflects L’Oréal’s profound belief that Beauty is much more than appearance, or a simple product or a service. Beauty is a humanitarian and social commitment, exemplified through our various projects and activities in Lebanon and around the world. It also contributes to the empowerment of women and their flourishing within their society and their own country”. Furthermore, she expressed her ‘great pride in the graduation of 105 enthusiastic students”, conveying her “full confidence in their future professional careers.”
From her end, Ms. Nora Jumblatt, Founder and President of Kayany Foundation, expressed her “appreciation for the enduring partnership between L’Oréal Liban and the foundation”. She emphasized “the shared goal of expanding future opportunities for program graduates and assisting them in finding suitable employment opportunities”. Furthermore, Ms. Jumblatt “underscored the significance of collaboration between the private sector and civil society organizations through responsible initiatives. She stressed that such collaborations are vital to ensure the collective contribution of all stakeholders in strengthening the economy and nurturing a healthy society.”
From his end, Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr. Abbas Halabi commended “L’Oréal ‘Beauty for a Better Life’ initiative, emphasizing the ministry’s strong support to the program”. Moreover, “he praised L’Oréal for its significant social responsibility and numerous achievements in enhancing society”. Dr. Halabi also “expressed gratitude to the Kayany Foundation for its outstanding efforts and exceptional social contributions”. In conclusion, Minister Halabi “extended his heartfelt congratulations to the new graduates, wishing them successful and bright careers ahead.”
The ceremony was attended by more than 200 guests, including Lebanese political and social figures, along with media representatives. The invitees also included friends and supporters of Kayany Foundation, in addition to the families of the graduates, as well as the team and partners of L’Oréal Liban.