Finalists selected for Outrigger Fiji’s ‘Cutting Edge Project’

RELEASE NUMBER 03|18

Dani Haddad (center) with finalists, General Manager Peter Hopgood and Outrigger hair salon staff

CORAL COAST, FIJI – A career as a hairdresser beckons for a Fijian winner of a competition called “The Cutting Edge Project” by Outrigger Fiji and EmpowHAIR.

Australian hair stylist Dani Haddad, a frequent visitor to Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, said her aim was to provide an opportunity to help young people find rewarding, long-term employment.

“A hairdressing course in Fiji costs over $5,000 which is beyond the realms of affordability for many young adults in the villages.”

Over the past week more than 30 young ladies and men have been appraised by Dani and the hair salon team at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and twelve have been selected to undertake hair-cutting training.

Dani stated that she was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and skill of the contestants. “It was a very hard decision to choose the final 12,” she said.

They will be issued with professional hair cutting kits valued at over FJD$600 (USD$292) and their training will commence in early February.

On June 12, all of the entrants will compete against each other and the winner will receive a fully funded scholarship to study hair dressing at the Fiji National University.

Once the winner has graduated, they will be given work experience at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.

Resort General Manager Peter Hopgood said that this was a wonderful opportunity for young people in the provinces of Nadroga/ Navosa.

“This is what my team at Outrigger are all about. We look for opportunities to support the people in our province,” he said.

“We thank Dani for providing her time and expertise to support this project. This will be life-changing for these young people,” said Hopgood.

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