WORDS FOR WORK WITH LANCOME

Prepared. Empowered. Ready for Employment.

#WordsForWork

Words for Work: Women in Leadership tackles poor literacy among women from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme boosts self-confidence and helps to prepare participants as they embark on their career paths.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

Addressing multiple facets of literacy – reading, writing, speaking and listening – Words for Work provides support through teacher-led workshops designed to improve literacy, communication and leadership skills. Students are also given guidance on speech writing and presenting. The programme is part of Lancôme's global Write Her Future initiative.

VALUING THE IMPORTANCE OF LITERACY

Words for Work inspires young women to work towards achieving their dreams. Lancôme and the National Literacy Trust host a panel event, which features inspiring women from a diverse range of careers and sectors. Participants also spend a day at Lancôme's offices where they can see the advantages that good literacy skills can bring and speak to Lancôme employees about their careers.

Inspires students to nurture their self-esteem

Lupita Nyong'o shared words of wisdom with students from Harris Academies in London and advised them to surround themselves with people who bring out the best in them. The Oscar-winning actress, author and Lancôme Ambassador visited Harris Westminster Sixth Form in February 2020 to highlight the Words for Work: Women in Leadership literacy programme.

Over the course of the session, Lupita touched on many topics linked to literacy and self-confidence. She encouraged the students in attendance to cultivate their curiosity and to be prepared to face challenges. She also spoke about Sulwe, her illustrated book, which tells the story of a little girl as she learns to appreciate the beauty of her skin colour and gains in self-esteem.

Lupita's powerful self-confidence message certainly seemed to have hit home.

“I feel more encouraged about my self-worth,” said one attendee. “[It was a] great opportunity to value who I am as an individual”, added another.

IN THEIR WORDS

“I was delighted to meet with the students of London's Harris Academy today. I am very moved by their energy and enthusiasm. It was a privilege to speak with them, share my book Sulwe, and to learn about their goals and challenges. My hope is that programmes such as ‘Words for Work' will help give young women the opportunity and confidence to share their voices.”

LUPITA NYONG'O

“To hear Lupita speak so eloquently and encouragingly about our futures was truly inspirational.”

HARRIS ACADEMY SIXTH FORM STUDENT

“[will be] reflecting on my actions and beliefs [and] trying to be more confident.”

HARRIS ACADEMY SIXTH FORM STUDENT

THE LANCÔME SUMMER INTERNSHIP

In 2019 Lancôme launched the Lancôme Summer Internship as part of the Words for Work programme. Coordinated by the National Literacy Trust and Lancôme's Human Resources Department, two interns worked alongside the Lancôme Communications team, while one worked in Lancôme's Human Resources department.

OUR INTERN'S STORIES

Summer intern, 18 years old

“The first day of work was quite nerve-wracking, I had no previous experience in an office and I was not entirely confident. Rosie had met me on the ground floor after having signed me in and welcomed me with utmost encouragement for the first day and my time here at Lancôme. As of entering the office, I was greeted with rows of office desks, occupied by many individuals. This is realistic of an office space. I was challenged by nerves. Rosie introduced me to the team who kindly shook my hand and introduced themselves…”

Summer intern, 18 years old

“I completed a summer internship at global beauty company Lancôme’s head office in the Human Resources department. An opportunity like this definitely does not come by very often, especially when you come from an underprivileged background such as myself. My time here was filled with many new experiences and I am grateful towards the National Literacy Trust for allowing such a brilliant opportunity to take place…”