Konstantina Ganotis, aesthetics trainer

In the duration of spring, 15 beneficiaries of SolidarityNow from Syria, Africa, Pakistan and Afghanistan attended free manicure-pedicure seminars at the “Institute of Professional Development”, a vocational training center in Thessaloniki, which are part of the organization’s training program. “Manicure-pedicure has nothing to do with beauty and grooming; above all, it involves our health, and besides, it is an art that is taught and can also become a means of livelihood”, Konstantina Ganoti explains. Konstantina is a seminar trainer, also known as “Dina” to her students.

Despite the fact that she studied Theology, Konstantina decided to get involved with the aesthetics of the upper and lower limbs professionally. Indeed, she has been actively involved in teaching this art. The collaboration with SolidarityNow arose when the institute’s manager proposed to take over this department. “I was told that this section will be different from the rest, by pointing out that the instructing language will be English. Naturally I was very positive. I had never done anything like that before”, she tells us. Apart from having a lot of difficulties, the whole process was very interesting and beneficial for both students and the trainer. “English was not the mother tongue for any of us. In addition to that, this was the first educational experience for some of the students. Others have never worked in their lives. All of this was of particular interest. It was an unprecedented experience for them, but also for me, but above all it was very pleasant”, says Konstantina.

The 60-hour courses were held every Saturday. The majority of the 15 students were very diligent, they never missed a lesson and they were always on time to learn the technique by asking questions and asking their teacher for help. When asked if she can pick out any of her students, Konstantina said “all of them had a very good attitude, so I can not single out anyone”. Now, they have all obtained their certified graduation diploma, which enables them to work as hand and foot care technicians. “Several of the people showed great interest, some even have great skill, but it is now up to them to become even better”, she says. This particular object needs a lot of practice and the acquisition of the necessary equipment, which, as Konstantina tells us, comes at a price. “I believe that if they get the chance, they can evolve and work on that particular subject”, she concludes.

Today is the last day students and teachers meet. Konstantina is congratulating her students on the completion of the seminars and is handing their diplomas over to them. At the end of their graduation we can see them all smiling and posing for a group photo. “The entirety of this experience was very nice. I have met people much different from me with different attitudes and perception. I have also learned new things”, she tells us. Before we say goodbye, we ask what solidarity means to her personally. “Solidarity means supporting each other, giving without expecting to receive something, being able to help selflessly”.

* SolidarityNow’s Blue Refugee Center is supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for UNHCR and UNICEF and funded by the European Union Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO).

** The SolidarityNow Education Program is implemented with the support of UNICEF and the European Commission Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO).