Clean-cut: Singgara Vello (right) guiding his students J. Prabba (centre), 21, and N. Travinraj, 20, at his barbershop in Lebuh Ah Quee in George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/ The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Fancy a RM3 haircut? Just head over to S. Singgara Vello’s barbershop at Lebuh Ah Quee here, where apprentices are honing their craft.
For over 15 years, the barber has been mentoring school dropouts and the less academically inclined, offering them free training on a range of skills from basic haircuts to the art of shaving and hair dyeing.
The RM3 haircut is part of his three-year training for apprentices, allowing them to gain real-world experience while providing a service to the community.
“I want them to have hands-on experience.
“Plus, the money from the haircuts (they give) goes to them,” he said in an interview.
Having dropped out of school due to financial constraints, Singgara Vello knows the importance of guiding these youngsters towards financial independence.
The 51-year-old’s journey into barbering began after his stint as a lorry driver. His passion for the craft led him to not only master it but also to give back to society.For now, Singgara Vello has 14 students under his apprenticeship.“People know that I take in those who wish to learn. They also seek me out.
“I worry that without opportunities like this, they might choose the wrong path. This motivates me to teach them my skills.”
He takes pride in his role as a mentor, having seen the “graduation” of 39 students over the years. Many of them now own barbershops in Penang and beyond.“They are given certificates once they have completed the training.
“When they leave this place, I know they are well-equipped to start their own (barber shops).“I even help them to set up their own shops. I keep in touch with them. It’s wonderful to see how far they have progressed in life.
“They have their own families and seeing them succeed makes it all worth it,” he said.
Singgara Vello, who has been in the industry himself for 21 years, hopes to open an academy to accommodate more students as the space in his shop is limited.
He is also working on raising funds to create a learning centre.
In addition to training apprentices, he also offers haircuts for RM1 to Penang Island City Council workers, aiming to support the B40 community.
“Haircuts can be expensive and prices have gone up. Many now alternate their haircuts between months to save money.
“By offering them a RM1 haircut, they can have a fresh look without feeling the pinch.
“Besides, I also take part in charity by giving free haircuts to the poor and less fortunate.”
For those looking for an affordable haircut and want to support a good cause, Singgara Vello urged them to go to his shop.
“Not only will you leave with a fresh cut, you’ll also be contributing to the future success of young barbers in training,” he said.
