Free beauty classes

The China Youth Development Foundation and the French cosmetics company L'Oreal launched the second round of free beauty-care training at the Beijing BN Vocational School early this month. It's part of L'Oreal's international "Beauty for a Better Life" program that started in 2009 to help disadvantaged communities regain self-confidence and socially reintegrate through free training programs, including hairstyling, makeup and beauty care. The program has been established in about 20 countries in Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Design awards bestowed

The Beijing Design Week organizing committee bestowed the Red Star Design Awards on Dec 12. Awards were given to projects that have "upgraded the cities, improved industries and promoted public welfare" during the design week that lasted from Sept 26 to Oct 3. Winners include the plug-in house project by the People's Architecture Office, the Shanshui City architecture exhibition by Ma Yansong and the Dashila'r Project that aims to revive the old Beijing neighborhood.