Chronicle Editor
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Chronicle Reporter
DRIVEN by a strong desire to empower and support vulnerable and underprivileged girls, a Bulawayo beauty therapist, Mr Norris Pikanegore (42) has opened a beauty therapy school in Nketa 7 suburb where he aims to impart knowledge and skills to the youths.
Using his 21 years’ experience in the beauty industry, Mr Pikanegore opened Varshas Academy of Beauty College last year in October.
The initiative allows underprivileged youths to get free beauty therapy training, while the rest pay a nominal fee.
The courses at Varshas Academy of Beauty range from US$35 to US$45 and Mr Pikanegore said he provides equipment and everything needed, which makes it unique from other schools that tend to specialise in theory.
In an interview, Mr Pikanegore said during his school days at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust), he saw his friends making a lot of money through beauty therapy.
He was doing a degree in interior décor, but after graduation he then went to India where he was trained in beauty therapy.
“For each and every intake, I have a scholarship or bursary for the underprivileged. We buy uniforms, books and anything which is required. The number of students on scholarship depends on the number of students who pay fees,” he said.
Mr Pikanegore, who previously operated the beauty school in Botswana from 2010 to 2021, said he felt propelled to adopt the concept he was using there in Zimbabwe.
“In Botswana for every intake, I would have five less-privileged students whom I would go and pick from the villages with the help of the chiefs so that I could impart and instil knowledge and skills in them. This would allow them to be able to start their own businesses afterwards.”
His goal is to empower the girl child, especially girls on the streets, those who have failed at school or dropped out. However, boys are also welcome if they want to improve their beauty therapy skills.
Having been open since last year in October, the beauty school had its first graduation last month.
“When I started the school last year, it was a little bit difficult as I started with one student then the other one came the following day. I spent a week with only two students then the other two came the following week. So, it was like every week people were coming in until the end of October. I was now having about 12 students who were doing the course.”
Since its inception, 45 students have graduated with different certificates and diplomas.
He said in November 2021 he introduced short courses and about 22 students came for the specialised training. He offers certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas.
“From the time I started I was working alone so from those who finished and graduated in August, I picked up about six of them and I trained them to be teachers. They are now the ones who I’m employing now,” he said.
Mr Pikanegore said he was also working towards introducing new subjects which his college could be the first to offer in the city such as micro blading, bum and hip lifting, breast firming, and skin tanning.
He also intends to open new branches in Gwanda, Victoria Falls, Filabusi and Tsholotsho.
“The Varshas Academy of Beauty pioneer students will be managing the new branches. Gwanda branch is being opened on the first of October and Victoria Falls one will open on 15 October and the Filabusi one will be opened first of November.
“The Tsholotsho branch was requested by parents in the diaspora who have their children back home. So, I worked with them when I was in Botswana and South Africa and they want a beauty school there for the benefit of the children but I’m still doing my research before I set up a branch there,” he said.
Mr Pikanegore said he already has 28 registered students in Gwanda who are just waiting for the opening of the school. The academy is registered with the Ministry of Youths, Sports, Arts and Recreation and they are in the process of registering with the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education and Higher Education Examinations Council (Hexco).
In an interview, Miss Shantel Sithole (21), who graduated with an Advanced Diploma in June this year, said Varshas Academy helped turn her life around as she is a school dropout. “Girls, don’t lose hope, just find something to do, as for me I am now a beauty therapist and I am now working, all thanks to Varshas Academy of Beauty,” said the Tshabalala suburb resident.
Ms Bridget Chipini said she dropped out of school and through Varshas Academy of Beauty, she managed to grasp some life skills which will help her to be an independent woman.
Ms Mitchel Ndebele, one of the scholarship students, emotionally said Mr Pikanegore brought hope into her life at a time when she was hopeless.
Miss Precious Sibanda and Miss Lihle Moyo are some of the ladies who graduated at Varshas Academy of Beauty and they are now training others. -@SikhulekelaniM1
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter