Make your passion your career
Pupils at Nhlanhleni Senior Primary in Mopohomeni were encouraged to choose a career based on what they were passionate about.
Volunteer librarian, Beth Drennan, told the children that it was important to do something that you love.
“Enjoy what you are doing,” she added. “Don’t just go: ‘I want to make money, I’m going to be a lawyer’. If you don’t like the sight of blood, don’t become a doctor. Boys, you like tinkering with cars, so maybe you should be a mechanic.”
Drennan, who has been running a library at the school for the past 10 years, added that it was vital for pupils to read.
“We want you to grow as people and in careers,” she said. “You have to read for any career. You won’t be able to fill in forms if you can’t read. Even a plumber, your instructions you will have to read. Whatever you do you will need to read.”
Drennan was one of several guests, who were invited to the careers day to share insights into their chosen careers.
Also present were uMngeni Municipality traffic officers, Noluthando Mhlongo, Smiso Dlamini and Lungile Zondi; Howick doctor Ntethelelo Madlala; Nompilo Ngubane and Frank Mchunu from the Mpophomeni Tourism Experience; and Village Talk Editor, Estelle Sinkins.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health was represented by physiotherapist, Michelle Niebuhr, dietitian, Snakhokonke Ndlovu, pharmacy assistant, Ntsika Zondi, Sister Athene Govindsamy, and public relations officer, Ayanda Mazwana. They all work at Umgeni Psychiatric Hospital in Howick.
Nhlanhleni Senior Primary organised the careers day as part of its desire to ensure that pupils left the school as ‘total human beings’ by offering them the chance to excel at academics, sport and cultural acitivies.
As part of that commitment they arranged for a careers day last week, during which the children were encouraged to dress up as doctors, nurses, firefighters, sportsmen, construction workers, lawyers, pilots, teachers and police officers.
Organiser of the event, Bongeka Mkhize, who is the head of Grade 7, said: “This activity is aimed to give learners exposure to different careers that are available.
“It also intends to equip our learners with skills and knowledge so that they will be able to make informed decisions when they get into subject selections in high school.”
Principal Nhlanhla Khumalo expressed his thanks to the efforts of the Grade 7 teachers, the school governing body and the guests who helped make the day a success.
“This career day will change our leaners’ perception of their destination in a new way,” he added.