Byline: Captain SA

31 August 2024

The recent Career Expo at Trinity Norkem Park Methodist Church brought together students and exhibitors to explore future opportunities and career paths. Among the attendees was Ofentse Modiba, a Grade 10 learner at Norkem Park High, who expressed her gratitude for the wealth of information she received. She shared, “I needed more information on my career choices, so my aunt suggested I attend the career expo to get more insights.” Modiba learned about scholarships through the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and was inspired by the opportunities available, regardless of one’s financial situation. “I’ve learned that there are scholarships that can take children to school, no matter the situation at home,” she added. #EducationForAll #CareerOpportunities

Modiba is now determined to apply for the scholarships and spread the word about the valuable insights she gained. “I will apply for the scholarships and tell more people so they can also get an opportunity,” she said. Despite her dream of becoming a medical doctor, financial challenges have been a hurdle for her. “Both my parents are not working, so the fees won’t allow it,” she explained. She remains hopeful that the information from the expo will help others as well. #ScholarshipOpportunities #DreamBig

Rorisang Kakubeng, a student at Boston City Campus, echoed similar sentiments. “I wanted to get more knowledge, and I got exactly that,” she said. The Absa session stood out to Kakubeng, providing valuable insights for her accounting studies. “It was an eye-opener and gave me the push I needed. I’m going full force into my dreams now,” she shared. Kakubeng emphasized the importance of presenting oneself well, adding, “You never know when you’ll meet your destiny helper. How you carry yourself leads you to the next step.” #SelfPresentationMatters #CareerMotivation

Hlombelethu Royi, a Grade 12 learner and active member of the planning committee, also benefited from the expo. She highlighted the importance of hands-on involvement in youth-focused initiatives. “I wanted to get more information on how to move on after high school, and being part of the planning committee was an amazing experience,” she said. Royi found the Absa stall and EdForAll initiative particularly impactful. “Finding a payment-free bank and learning that students can study for as little as R500 a month was a beautiful initiative,” she noted. #YouthEmpowerment #AffordableEducation

With a broader understanding of different colleges and financial options, Royi feels prepared to apply to various institutions. “This expo gave me a clear mindset on how to navigate different financial options for education,” she said. Her key takeaway was the realization that university is not the only path to success. “There are colleges that offer just as much, if not more, than university, and students don’t have to fall into debt over education,” she added. #AlternativeEducation #DebtFreeLearning

Sipho Malinga, co-founder of Gawulo Court and a participant in the HUSTLEPRENEUR youth empowerment movement, attended the expo to explore career possibilities. “I wanted to broaden my knowledge on careers, and I gained a lot of insight from the Absa stall. The session by Ekurhuleni Artisan was also informative,” Malinga shared. He appreciated the lessons on taking advantage of opportunities and expressed hope that the expo would help him make better business decisions. #BusinessOpportunities #YouthEntrepreneurship

Despite facing financial challenges in his business, Malinga is optimistic about the future. “The expo taught me that careers sometimes come from unplanned experiences, and I’m excited to implement what I’ve learned,” he said. His ultimate goal is to form a sports club through the HUSTLEPRENEUR movement, furthering his passion for youth empowerment. #SportsDevelopment #EmpowerTheYouth

Among the exhibitors was Robyn Abrahams, Funding Director for EdForAll, a non-profit organization partnering with Regenesys Business School. Abrahams explained the innovative study-now-pay-later model, which offers students the opportunity to pursue their dream careers for as little as R500 per month. “When students graduate, they sign an acknowledgment of debt and pay back the balance once they find employment,” she said. #EdForAll #AccessToEducation

Abrahams emphasized the importance of embracing online learning as the world becomes more digitally focused. “AI is taking over, and contact learning will become a thing of the past. Become agile, move out of your comfort zone, and embrace online learning,” she advised. The EdForAll initiative offers a lifeline to students from households earning less than R15,000 per month, providing affordable access to higher education. #OnlineLearning #FutureOfEducation

The Career Expo proved to be a resounding success, providing students with valuable insights and practical steps toward their future careers. For many, it was not just a day of learning but a day of empowerment and inspiration. #CareerExpo2024 #YouthInspiration