By Selloane Ntshonyane
- Learners from several Soweto high schools met experts face-to-face to ask about careers, bursaries and university entrance requirements.
- Organisers say financial struggles limit how many schools they can reach, but they hope to expand to bigger venues next year.
The career expo was held at Freedom Park Secondary School and organised by Phakamani Young Minds Academy, a group that offers free after-school programmes to learners in Grades 1 to 12.
More than 10 stations were set up by different institutions, including the University of Johannesburg and Rosebank College. Each one allowed learners to talk openly with professionals from fields like media, teaching, engineering and nursing.
They also got to ask about bursary opportunities and what marks or subjects they’d need to qualify for university or college.
“The aim is to serve every child in Soweto because these kids do not get opportunities for such events,” said Bokang Mokoena, executive director of the academy.
Mokoena said money problems make it hard to help more schools, but he’s hopeful the event will grow.
Schools that attended included Silver Oaks, Willow Crescent and host school Freedom Park.
Lihle Ntuli, a learner from Freedom Park Secondary, said she had been unsure what career to follow until the event helped her make up her mind.
“I have now made a firm decision towards the career path I want to take. I want to study electrical engineering, and the event has erased the thought of it being for men only,” said Ntuli.
One of the highlights was a session by Robyn Africa, an HR manager from FNB. She spoke to learners about how to behave during interviews and at work, including dressing right, being respectful and showing up on time.
She also explained the value of creating online profiles on job platforms to increase their chances of being hired.
Pictured above: Learners explore their career options at the PYMA festival.
Image source: Selloane Ntshonyane
