From August 11 to 13, 2020, Yayasan Inspirasi Indonesia Membangun (YIIM) once again organized vocational entrepreneurship training. On this occasion, YIIM held professional barbering training, continuing Batch 2 of the 2020 barbering program. The initiative was once again supported by PT Insight Investments Management through corporate social responsibility funds dedicated to addressing social and humanitarian issues.

This barber training represents the active contribution of YIIM and PT Insight Investments Management to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the Indonesian government through Presidential Regulation No. 59 of 2017 on the Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This cohort was attended by 6 (six) participants comprising correctional clients supervised by the Central Jakarta Correctional Center (Bapas Jakarta Pusat), low-income individuals, workers impacted by layoffs (PHK), and informal workers.

Despite being held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, YIIM enforced strict hygiene and safety standards. All trainees, master trainers, and assistant coaches underwent rapid antibody tests prior to training. Participants were required to wash their hands regularly every 20 minutes at sanitation facilities provided by the organizers, wear face masks and protective gloves, and maintain physical distancing throughout the program.

Over the three-day curriculum, participants received comprehensive theoretical and hands-on instruction to master professional barbering. Lead trainer Saifulloh instructed trainees on barbering tool handling, hair texture analysis, shop management, and modern cutting techniques. For two consecutive days, participants practiced haircuts on volunteer models arranged by the committee. One key objective is to cultivate barber entrepreneurs and revitalize Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), echoing President Joko Widodo’s vision that MSMEs are the backbone of the national economy that must be actively supported by patronizing local goods and services.

YIIM Board Member Satoto Biratmoko, delivering remarks at the closing and certificate presentation ceremony, shared, “We hope the knowledge gained throughout this training will serve as sustainable life skills, equipping participants with strong competitiveness and the capability to establish independent livelihoods.”

Satoto added, “YIIM takes pride in assisting communities affected by COVID-19 to bounce back with resilience and competitiveness.”

Following this session, YIIM trainers and management will select qualified candidates from the 12 alumni across the batches to advance to an intensive 3-month internship at YIIM’s managed barbershop. There, interns will refine their techniques while directly serving public clientele. This apprenticeship is designed to solidify both technical expertise and entrepreneurial mental toughness, preparing them to launch their own independent barbershop enterprises upon completion.

Salam Inspirasi!