KwaBhekilanga Secondary School Career Day
Career days at underserved schools such as KwaBhekilanga Secondary School play a crucial role in empowering students and bridging the opportunity gap. These events bring numerous benefits that can have a profound impact on the lives of pupils and their communities. Many do not have access to information about various career paths and industries and career days introduce them to a wide range of professions, opening their eyes to possibilities they may not have considered before. Guidance on educational pathways and the skills needed for specific careers helps the pupils plan their academic journeys and make informed decisions about their futures.
The Grind Foundation hosted an extraordinary and inspiring career day at KwaBhekilanga Secondary School, aimed at empowering pupils with valuable insights into various professions and encouraging them to pursue their passions in their future careers. The event took place on the school premises catering to 450 grade nine pupils and featured distinguished speakers from esteemed institutions, including Wits University and Sci Bono, as well as professionals from different fields.
The day commenced with an informative morning session that set the tone for an enlightening experience. Representatives from Wits University and Sci Bono addressed the pupils, emphasizing the importance of making informed career choices and aligning them with their individual passions and interests. They highlighted the significance of education, making the correct subject choices and how pursuing higher studies could open endless possibilities in the job market.
Sci Bono Presentation
The highlight of the Career Day was the diverse array of speakers who shared their personal and professional experiences. The pupils had the privilege of hearing from individuals in varied fields, each bringing unique perspectives and connecting education to real-world application.
Pilot:
A commercial airline pilot took the stage, captivating the audience with thrilling stories of flying high and traveling the world. The pupils learned about the rigorous training, responsibilities, and dedication required to pursue a career in aviation. The pilot emphasized the importance of perseverance and passion in achieving one’s dreams. And what was most empowering was that the pilot shared that he too came from a disadvantaged background and still managed to pursue his dream career.
Pilot: Munzhedzi Machaba
Accountant:
An accomplished accountant shared their journey from a student to a successful financial expert. They discussed the significance of numbers and finance in everyday life, and how accounting could lead to diverse job opportunities.
Accountant: Nokwanda Molefe
Ex-Professional Soccer Player turned Soccer Analyst:
This speaker resonated with the sports enthusiasts among the pupils. They talked about their exciting journey as a professional soccer player, the ups and downs, and the transition into a soccer analyst role after retirement. Their story demonstrated the significance of adaptability and planning for a post-athletic career.
Ex-Proffesional Soccer Player/Current Sports Analyst: Dikgang Mabalane
Banker:
The banker shed light on the world of finance and banking, explaining the essential role banks play in the economy. They also discussed various career paths within the banking industry, from customer service roles to investment banking, trading, and finance management.
Banker: Aphile Molefe
To conclude the Career Day on an entertaining and magical note, a live science show was organized. This interactive show showcased intriguing scientific experiments that left the pupils in awe. The demonstrations not only entertained but also sparked curiosity and interest in science-related careers. The show underscored the idea that the pursuit of one’s passion could lead to a rewarding and enjoyable career.
Impact and Takeaways:
Kwa Bhekilanga Secondary School’s Career Day was an unequivocal success. The pupils were engaged, inspired, and gained valuable insights into a wide range of professions. The event not only broadened their horizons about potential career paths but also instilled in them the belief that with dedication, passion, and the right guidance, they could achieve their dreams. By providing exposure to professionals from various fields and encouraging the alignment of career choices with individual passions, the Career Day played a pivotal role in shaping the students’ perspectives about their futures. The pupils left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to pursue their aspirations with confidence.
Career days are not limited to a one-time event. They can serve as a catalyst for ongoing career exploration, mentorship programs, and partnerships between schools, businesses, and organizations. As the Grind Foundation we commit to following up on the impact and fill any evident gaps in setting the kids up for the careers of the choice.
See More Images of the Day Below
KwaBhekilanga Secondary School Learners
Zodwa Ndebele from the University of the Witswatersrand
Hamilton Ndlovu from the Grind Foundation
Some of the Pamphlets Handouts