L'Oreal fetes its centenary with 100 projects designed to assist and support the most vulnerable

L'Oreal, the worldwide leader in beauty products with a presence in more than 150 countries, celebrates its centenary this year by helping the least fortunate through a programme it's calling "100 Years, 100 Projects".

L'Oreal Thailand has launched the "Beautiful Tomorrows" project, which aims to support underprivileged women staying in emergency homes in Bangkok and the surrounding area by providing scholarships for training in the field of beauty.

"To make this world beautiful, the company has committed its social responsibility efforts in several areas: science, education, social solidarity and such other philanthropic projects as the 'For Women in Science' research scholarship programme, which honours capable Thai female scientists," says managing director Claude Rumpler.

"For 'Beautiful Tomorrows', the company is providing 100 scholarships for beauty professional development courses that will allow 10 women in need to receive training at Ketvadi-Gandini International Hair Dressing Academy each year so that the effort will have a longer impact over the next 10 years. The women will receive official certification from Education Ministry and the hairdressing institute on successful completion of their course."

"The goal is to help rebuild the lives of women affected by violence, the number of whom increased to some 19,000 cases in 2007. Our aim is to offer them a opportunity for education and a career in beauty industry," adds Sduppin Kamnuanthip, Corporate Communication and Public Relations Director.

Other programmes initiated to commemorate L'Oreal's anniversary include the "First Chance" programme in France targeting underprivileged youth and the "Adopt a Brother/Sister" campaign in Israel that provides education to immigrant children and youth.

The "Touching Colours" programme being run by L'Oreal Singapore aims to help educate the blind about beauty rituals.