UNHCR and L’Oréal Partnership that will enable refugees get globally recognized certification in the Beauty Industry
40 refugees in Nairobi and 50 in Kakuma will benefit from the partnerships
Daniel Semasoso (left), a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo receiving a carton with L’Oréal products ©UNHCR/Rose Ogola
UNHCR and L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, are discussing a partnership that will see refugees from Kakuma and Nairobi getting a certified training in hairdressing and make-up.
According to UNHCR Livelihood Officer, this is a Public-Private Partnership which is in line with the Global Refugee Compact, a framework that provides a unique opportunity to transform the way the world responds to refugee situations, benefiting both refugees and the communities that host them.
Danya divulged that for starters, 40 refugees in Nairobi and 50 in Kakuma will benefit from this partnership.
“The refugees will be trained through existing beauty institutions and will receive L’Oréal certification as well as possible internship at L’Oréal salons. These are market driven trainings that are in high demand in the beauty industry,” she added.
L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, donated beauty and health products to the refugees
Daniel Semasoso, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) came to Kenya in 2014, and is one of the refugees who benefited from the health and beauty products shared on the day. He also received some business training from UNHCR partner, Danish Refugee Council (DRC). Today he owns a business where he has employed 7 people, three refugees and four Kenyans.
“I am a barber and also offer beauty services, so I will use the products to boost my salon business. They are good quality products and so I know my clients will also be happy,” he said.
“We are very excited about this partnership because the certified training will not only enhance the skills of the refugees but will also enable them to become self-reliant,” said Danya.
On the World Refugee Day, L’Oréal, the world’s largest cosmetics company, donated beauty and health products to the refugees in both Kakuma and Nairobi who are already working in the beauty industry.
Some of the refugees who received L’Oréal products on 20 June during the commemorations for World Refugee Day ©UNHCR/Rose Ogola
On World Refugee Day, L’Oréal, one of the world’s largest cosmetics company, donated 6,000 beauty and health products with a value of US$ 2,500 to refugees in both Kakuma and Nairobi who are already working in the beauty industry.
40 refugees in Nairobi and 50 in Kakuma will benefit from the partnerships
“This partnership is a unique opportunity for L’Oréal to assist a group which not many private companies have programs for,” said Aditya Narayanan, Plant Director L’Oréal East Africa.
This will be the first partnership UNHCR will have with L’Oréal and it will be implemented under the company’s Sharing Beauty With All Program.