The winners of this year’s Avon Global Scholarship Programme in the Philippines have been recognised at its National Sales Convention, attended by 5,000 Avon beauty entrepreneurs from across the country.

Avon Philippines invited the winners to its biggest event of the year at the Mall of Asia Arena. Nine winners took to the stage to receive a certificate recognising the grant, presented by the General Manager of Avon Philippines, Razvan Diratian.

For 2019, the Avon Foundation doubled its funding to $400,000 to open up more learning opportunities for Avon’s Representatives and their families. The winners from Avon Philippines are among 200 Global Scholarship Programme recipients worldwide receiving the education grants for themselves, their children or grandchildren.

Among the winners were Mikhaella Obispo, 19, who is in her first year of college and the granddaughter of a 73-year-old Avon Sales Leader. She said: “This grant has given me hope that I will be able to pursue my goal of helping people in need of medical support for their mental health in the future. Avon is not just a beauty and business enterprise, but also a great contributor to the wellbeing of society. Thanks to Avon, every single dream of mine is now within reach!”

She was joined by 17-year-old Tricia Yna Abella, whose mother is an Avon Sales Leader. Tricia, who is a student of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, said: “I am so blessed and grateful and will use this as my stepping stone to achieve my goals!”

Avon has been backing beauty entrepreneurs for more than 130 years. The Global Scholarship Programme is part of Avon’s global stand4her plan, which aims to improve the lives of 100 million women worldwide by breaking down the barriers holding women back. Awarded based on academic performance, potential and career and education aspirations and goals, the funding can be spent on tuition, school fees, accommodation and board, books, or transportation.