Inspiring minds
ABOUT 2500 College of Cape Town students graduated last week on the Crawford Campus, which used to be known as the Hewitt College of Education. Students graduated in five sessions across three days.
In addition to receiving diplomas and certificates graduates were treated to a variety of motivational messages from guest speakers, including two new members of CCT’s College Council, Dr Errol Francke and Professor Johannes Cronje.
Dr Francke, a senior academic from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) who recently completed his doctorate focusing on disruptive innovation in small business, indulged in a moment of nostalgia when he address the students. He pointed out that he had sat in the same hall in the late 1980s to graduate with a teaching diploma and encouraged the students to look out for the mosaic tile outside the Admin Building which still depicts the Hewitt College legacy.
“I remember sitting here, I was quite glad to be done with my first qualification, but also feeling apprehensive about my future career,” said Dr Francke.
He recounted a story about birds to emphasise the idea that everyone needs air to survive and thrive and challenged the students to identify their air or support.
“Is it your parents, extended family, the organisations that support you, or your friends,” asked Dr Francke as he challenged graduates to always take care of that support.
Professor Johannes Cronje of CPUT delivered a lively talk on the interconnectedness of all people and knowledge online, reminding the students that studying at CCT taught them where to find knowledge but it is up to them to connect to that information.
Graduating student Ghayaat Parker brought a tear to many an eye when she recounted how she came to study for her Level 5 Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development. As a mother she wanted to establish a place where other working mothers would feel comfortable leaving their children while they went to work.
Despite many health issues, looking after her own children and starting a successful chain of ECD centres, Sleepy Hollow Schools, Mrs Parker persisted with her studies and graduated alongside several of her employees. “I cannot begin to thank CCT for the accommodating and helpful staff. I believe nothing is impossible,” she said.
In addition to motivational speeches, the audience was also treated to a range of performing artists. Ganeen Davids, Kim Louis, Claire Dublin and 12-year-old Xavier Strydom were all very well received but the singer who brought the house down was SAMA-nominated pop singer Jarrad Ricketts. An alumni of CCT who studied Graphic Design, Ricketts shared a snippet of his educational journey, reminding students and parents alike that your circumstances do not determine where you are going.
So too did Craig Dumont of the RLABS Entrepreneurship programme, who advised the graduates that their next step was to keep on learning. “Non-stop curiousity is needed,” said Mr Dumont who advised the students to always ask questions.
Addressing the graduating students Acting Vice Principal: Innovation and Development Deon Halls reminded them they have already started building their professional image online through their use of social media. “Whatever you put out there is your footprint,” said Mr Halls as he urged the students to always keep it professional online.