Using glamour to empower unemployed women
Francina Kgopa is the owner and founder of Glamour School of Beauty, where she enrols unemployed women in her area to keep them busy with the aim of empowering the women to become independent.
POLOKWANE –Â Unemployment is a word which does not exist in the vocabulary of 22-year-old Francina Kgopa. She is the owner and founder of Glamour School of Beauty, where she enrols unemployed women in her area to keep them busy with the aim of empowering the women to become independent.
“Many of us know exactly what we are good at, but there might be things we do not know that we are good at. I call this ‘hidden talent’ and with the school, I teach women how to do their own hair, make-up and nails. At a later stage they will hopefully make a profit from it by opening their own salons,” she added.
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She is originally from Mentz in Ga-Shiloane but now resides in Seshego zone 4. Francina says she loves to empower women, especially single mothers, so that they are able to support their children.
Francina attended Megoring Primary and matriculated at Marobathota Secondary School. She then enrolled for a mechanical engineering course at Capricorn TVET College in Seshego. “I always felt that in a way, my heart was not in the courses I studied for. That is why I started the school in September.”
Francina offers three courses; makeup, manicure and wig-making. “I feel this is my way of helping reduce poverty and unemployment,” she added.
Some of the main challenges for Francina remains capital.
“I was not able to buy desks and chairs for my students. I had to borrow some of my class’ furniture from my mom, Martha, and it helped a lot. I will forever be grateful to her and I still hope that I will get a sponsor or that the government can help me financially as well,” she added.
She said there is nothing nicer than teaching people who are passionate and willing to learn. “I just love the way they are so dedicated, focused and interested in knowing what I teach them.”
She has 11 female students and the number is growing. “The number is increasing weekly and I thank God for that. Everyone is welcome to join us, there are no requirements at all to register. This course is especially for all unemployed women who sit at home and want to support their children. Come join a group of ladies like you who want to start their own beauty businesses. Rather late than never,” she advised.
Visit their Facebook page: Glamour School of Beauty.
