At REACH, our integrated program goes beyond basic needs and education to support the whole person. We know that even small things can have a big impact on a child’s confidence and wellbeing. We believe this is best achieved through collaboration, which is why we’re so proud to collaborate with This Life Cambodia. Through their Edith House Project, they provide free hairdressing services to our students and families, offering a valuable boost to their personal development.
Haircutting session in the boxing area.
Once a month, vocational training students from Edith House and This Life Cambodia come to REACH to provide haircuts to the students, guardians and the REACH team. They are NGO students, like REACH with a like-minded ethos and “recruit vulnerable young people from orphanages and from communities”, using a ‘bottom up’ approach to create personalised goals, followed by suitable training to give them the best chance of a bright future.
This Life Cambodia’s values and mission align with the work we do here at REACH as our strategy includes ensuring the youth can secure employment and post education. We understand the importance of encouraging like-minded NGOs to come together to partake in activities and events, learning from each other, and sharing new skills and approaches to improve the overall experience of those in need. Other similar values include a holistic approach to poverty and really listening to people and families to prioritise the most important issues.
The hair cutting event at REACH is a wonderful example of a mutually beneficial collaboration. The 15 trainee youth from Edith House visit us to practice their skills on a large scale, cutting over 100 people’s hair in a single day. This hands-on experience is an invaluable part of their vocational training. In return, the students, guardians, and REACH team all receive free haircuts, boosting their confidence and wellbeing. It’s a true ‘win-win’ where both communities support and learn from each other.
Students, Guardians, and Staff getting their hair cut but the youth hairdressers.
It is so wonderful to see the confidence a new haircut provides to all recipients, their lovely smiling faces showing how proud and happy they feel. This really helps to boost self-esteem as well as the general wellbeing of all who receive a haircut. It is more than just feeling excited about a haircut but also preserving their dignity as they feel they can present themselves as best they can.
Many of the children run straight to the first mirror they see after their new haircut as they are so excited! Many families supported by REACH may not be able to afford such luxuries, like frequent haircuts, which are also a requirement for boys to attend Public School, so it is greatly appreciated to be able to offer haircuts free of charge to everyone.
A youth member from This Life Cambodia, provides a haircut to one of our make students..
The frequency of haircuts also teaches children the importance of personal hygiene habits from a young age, promoting cleanliness. As well as saving money, it also saves precious time as students and families can include this in their school hours rather than needing to travel and go to a shop to get their haircut instead.
The whole community at REACH always looks forward to the day with the This Life Cambodia hairdressers – it’s exciting for everyone and great to see the community spirit coming together, with This Life Cambodia’s students utilising their skills for the benefit of others.
Since our first haircutting session on December 31st, 2024, we’ve held 8 sessions in total. In that time, the Edith House students have provided an incredible number of haircuts, making a tangible difference in our community:
Total Student Cuts: 927
Total Family Cuts: 22
Total Staff Cuts: 7
Total Haircuts Overall: 956
Thanks to This Life Cambodia and our meaningful partnership with them, we give our students and families a boost in their self-esteem, ensuring a healthier personal wellbeing.
At REACH, we believe in fostering a safe environment for our beneficiaries. It is more than an education. Our holistic offerings cater to the needs of our students and families in various aspects. It is through the hairdressing initiative with This Life Cambodia that together, we are creating positive changes in our communities, empowering every individual to feel valued and confident.
One of our students from the Blue Room had her haircut at our first haircutting session in December.
About the Author
Phoebe, a 19-year-old on her gap year travelling Southeast Asia, volunteered at REACH for two weeks. She chose to come to REACH not only to learn more about Cambodian culture but also to help those less fortunate than herself. The experience proved to be very eye-opening and inspiring for Phoebe, who gained a great deal from her time here.
After observing and assisting with lessons for both younger children and the youth and participating in several bike rides, Phoebe developed a deep admiration for REACH’s work and commitment. She found everyone at the organisation to be incredibly kind, praising their brilliant approach and attitude toward teaching and learning. Phoebe noted that the teachers prioritise the students, creating a lovely and warm environment. From her very first day, she was met with numerous smiles and happy faces.