L'Oreal and Hong Chi Association gain recognition for diversity and social inclusion promotion

By Natasha Spencer

- Last updated on GMT

L'Oreal and Hong Chi Association gain recognition for diversity and social inclusion promotion
The duo receives the Certificate of Merit for the Outstanding Partnership Project Award 2017/18 by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) for their Beauty for a Better Life (BFBL) programme.

Beauty giant, L'Oreal, and Hong Kong non-profit organisation, Hong Chi Association, were awarded the accolade during a presentation ceremony at the  Caring Company Partnership Expo 2018.

Beauty for a Better Life

L'Oreal's Beauty for a Better Life (BFBL) programme was first set up in 2009 in collaboration with Hong Chi Association, which serves around 7,000 people with intellectual disabilities and operates 87 service units.

Celebrating 10 years next year, BFBL provides hairdressing and beauty service training for students with intellectual disabilities. The programme currently offers two full-time courses: the 24-month Hairdressing Training Foundation Course and the 12-month accredited Certificate in Hairdressing Assistant Training Course (QF Level 1).

Student support

“With these courses, L'Oreal aims to enhance the students' knowledge, skills and employability in order to promote greater social inclusion in society,”​ the company stated in a recent press release.

L’Oreal has also teamed up with professional salon, Root Salon, to support curriculum development and placement opportunities for students who have finished their studies and would like to enter the professional hair care sector.

"We are delighted that our efforts with Hong Chi Association to promote diversity and inclusion have been highly recognised by the community,”​ shared  Eva Yu, President & Managing Director of L'Oreal Hong Kong. “We are happy to leverage our expertise to help vulnerable groups integrate into society, as well as have Root Salon as an industry partner to provide internship and employment opportunities for BFBL programme trainees.”

"Our partnership with L'Oreal Hong Kong led to the establishment of Hong Kong's first accredited salon training course for people who are intellectually-challenged at our Integrated Vocational Training Centre,"​ said Edwin Lam, General Secretary of Hong Chi Association, BFBL programme partner.

"The BFBL programme not only benefits the community but also addresses the challenges in the hair salon industry by providing chances to vulnerable individuals to pursue a professional career,”​ Tom Leung, Partner and Technical Director at Root Salon, contributed.

Commenting on its first-hand experience of the programme’s success to date, Leung added: “We have seen a great performance from the first successful course graduate who is working in our salon. We would encourage other companies to join such initiatives in Hong Kong.”

Awards commending achievement

Its accolade marks the first beauty company to receive the award for its long-term commitment to promoting diversity and social inclusion within the community. 

L’Oreal Hong Kong supports students by offering a train-the-trainer programme, along with training facilities upgrades, training product sponsorship and professional advice on salon operations and curriculum development for the BFBL programme.

L'Oreal also won the Friendly Employment Award and Outstanding Inclusive Team Award, presented by the Talent-Wise Employment Charter and Inclusive Organisations Recognition Scheme.

Additionally, the household beauty name was given the 15 Years Plus Caring Company Logo, celebrating L'Oreal's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives under Sharing Beauty for All and the widespread efforts to improve the lives of employees, consumers, the environment and the larger community.