Natasha Sipindiye, Sunday News Reporter
Maranatha Adventist High School in Bulawayo’s Nketa suburb on Friday held a career guidance day for Ordinary level and Advanced level learners who had an opportunity to interact with various industry players.
The headmaster of the school, Mr Khulekani Hindoga, said the event was meant to give learners an opportunity to interact with professionals from various industries so that they have an understanding of how the industry works and what they need to do to pursue their dream professions.
“As a school, we encourage our learners to work hard on examinations and participate in all our activities but then we are saying we also need other partners to come on board and motivate and help assist our learners as far as life after examinations is concerned. If we don’t have such events, our learners will be struggling not fully knowing what lies after the school examinations. Such programmes open their minds and ways of thinking and their worldview,” he said.
Mr Hindoga added that the job of educators was also to help learners understand that they are unique in their own good and have to focus on what would make them valuable citizens in future.
The event was coordinated by Phakama Empowerment and was attended by education empowerment organisations like Educate, Baobab and media group, Zimpapers, and Solusi University, among others.
Phakama Empowerment
Phakama Empowerment focuses on career counselling and mentoring high school pupils and tertiary students as well as offering professional growth services for professionals who want to grow in their careers.
“This conference is mainly us coming to give career guidance services to students. We want to give the students the services that we feel they need, we believe in grooming,” said Miss Nomathemba Zondo, from Phakama Empowerment.
Sunday News editor, Mr Limukani Ncube urged learners to do research on their prospective careers and understand the academic qualifications needed.
“After O level or A level, you should now be able to narrow down your options to one career that meets your needs and interests. Pick the career that you think will bring you the most overall satisfaction. Don’t go with the wind and pursue what your friends are doing. Be honest with yourself because this is a life decision you are taking,” he said.
Mr Ncube also informed learners of the existence of the Zimpapers Junior Media Club which is meant to give learners an insight and hands-on experience in the field of journalism.
“The country’s biggest media house is already running a Zimpapers Junior Media Club which affords school students an opportunity to have a hands-on learning experience in journalism. We coach students who are in school media clubs and we also publish their articles in our newspapers and other platforms. That is one area that you can benefit from right away. You are also welcome to make arrangements through the school administration to visit our newsrooms, studios, and printing press so that you have an appreciation of how news is processed,” said Mr Ncube.