Detainees at Sophia Juvenile Centre given free haircuts

The O-Zone Foundation, Yesterday (28 September, 2016), partnered with Elite Barber Shop to provide haircuts for detainees at the Sophia Juvenile Centre, as part of the organisation’s ongoing activity at the centre to transition the lives of the youths from “juvenile offenders” to “youths with purpose”.

This activity is part of the foundation’s “Health and Sexuality Curriculum” which is designed to educate the youths about good hygiene, personal care and sexually transmitted diseases.

Mr. Perez Cush, Proprietor of Elite Barber Shop said he is pleased to be part of such a thoughtful initiative that not only provides a needed service, but also helps the juveniles to feel good about themselves.

O-Zone Foundation’s mission is to reintegrate “youths at risk” and juvenile offenders into society through mentorship, education/vocational training and employment.

The organisation has been working with the detainees at the Sophia Holding Centre since June of this year and has reported significant changes in their behaviours.

Those who are released from the centre, with parental/guardian consent, are eligible for enrollment in the full-time programme.

According to the Director,  Olive Gopaul,  the magnitude of the issues plaguing young people are beyond what is seen on the surface and “it requires government, the international community, private sector,  community based organisations, teachers, parents and guardians to collaborate with the aim of nurturing health social lives for our young people.”

This activity was also supported by Jammi Jerk Restaurant.