BEKASI, WEST JAVA – Amidst the hustle and bustle of Bekasi, an inspiring story is being told. A number of individuals with burning enthusiasm are honing new skills: cutting hair. They are the participants of the Haircutting Training held through the Paradaya Movement program by Dompet Dhuafa, in collaboration with PT Paragon Corp and Forum Zakat (FOZ), on December 10, 2024.
More than just skills training, this program is an effort to change lives. With scissors in hand, they not only shape the ‘perfect’ haircut, but also design a brighter future.

For 15 days, the participants diligently learned professional haircutting techniques. From classic cuts to modern styles, they were taught to master them all. However, the training did not stop at the technical aspects. Soft skills training such as communication, work ethic, and customer service are also given intensively.
“We want to produce hairdressers who are not only skilled, but also have attractive personalities and can provide the best service to customers,” said Abdurrahman Usman, Director of the Institute of Independence.

This training is not just about changing physical appearance, but also about changing mindset. The participants were taught to see themselves as value-added professionals. They were encouraged to be confident and dare to achieve their dreams.
“I used to feel like I couldn’t do anything. But after attending this training, I feel more confident. I want to open my own barbershop one day,” said Ahmad, one of the trainees.


The barber training also carried out hands-on practice through Goes To Public activities. The participants not only practiced the skills they had learned, but also made a real contribution to society. By cutting hair for free, they not only make others feel better, but also build a positive image for the hairdressing profession.
After the training and internship, the participants are expected to open new job opportunities, either by working in a professional salon or opening their own business. By doing so, they can improve their standard of living and that of their families.
Read also: Open Job Opportunities, Paradaya Movement Collaboration Holds Security Training Program

This training was made possible through collaboration and management of ZIS (Zakat, Infaq, Sadaqah) funds that were rolled out in the form of programs. The stories of the barber training participants also inspire us all. They prove that with a strong will and the right support, we can change our lives for the better.
Armed with barbering skills and apprenticeship experience, the participants are expected to answer the needs of the industry while opening up opportunities for a brighter future. Let us continue to support community empowerment efforts like this. Because by empowering the community, we have built a brighter future for Indonesia.
Institut Kemandirian is a vocational and business incubation institution that provides education and training in hard skills, soft skills, and life skills for people, especially productive age in Indonesia. Through various innovative and sustainable training and incubation programs. Institut Kemandirian is committed to contributing to improving the quality of human resources in Indonesia. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Siti Halimatussadiah, Ikhwan
Editors: Sri Apriyanti, Dhika