Whether you are 18 and about to graduate from high school or 48 and considering a career change, we can all relate to the feeling of apprehension when the same old question is asked…. “What do you plan to do next?” For children growing up in disadvantaged communities, this burning question is often even harder to answer; luckily for the SOS Africa children, our staff, careers experts and inspirational professionals from their communities are here to broaden their horizons…
With many of our very first sponsored children now nearing high school graduation, throughout the June/July school holidays, our staff decided to host Careers Holiday Workshops for SOS Africa’s high school children. The inaugural 3-day event was designed to assist them with practical skills such as CV writing and interview practice and encourage them to expand their career aspirations by exposing them to experiences and opportunities beyond their communities.
The opening day began with an inspirational talk by Principal, Rehard Smith from local school St Michael’s Primary, during which he shared his journey from growing up in a disadvantaged community to becoming a respected leader and role model in education. Later in the day, IT specialist Moira Daniels provided training in CV and cover letter writing before Celebrity Music Video Creator and Photographer Faron Middleway gave the kids a talk on how she started her journey in the music industry. She also brought in her polaroid camera so that they could take their own photos.
During the 2nd morning, our High School students were divided into 5 groups. Each group received a job position and incorporated the previous day’s CV writing skills into drawing up a mock CV. Jobs included: Head chef, Graphic designer, Professional Nurse, Preschool Teacher, and Civil Engineer. The teams then conducted practice interviews with each other in preparation for mock interviews on the final day of the workshop.
In the afternoon our high school students enjoyed presentations from IT Manager Chris Petzer and Lawyer Clarrisa Fisher. It was wonderful to hear stories of how they had overcome serious challenges to achieve their career ambitions. Our students listened intently, in awe of the achievements of individuals from their own communities.
During the final day of our Careers Workshop, the SOS Africa students were given a surprise tour of Somerset West Police Station. To start with Warrant Officer Rainier showed them the Community Service Centre and 48 hour holding cells where inmates await their court dates. A talk was then arranged by Captain Van Der Vyver discussing the responsibilities of police officers, the importance of safety and making the right choices in life by not succumbing to peer pressure.
On the final afternoon, the staff and children returned to our Somerset West Education Centre for their mock job interviews. The groups had one last chance to prepare and select one member to be interviewed by our staff panel. The interviews were so encouraging, and the children performed well under pressure. Our expert panel were all extremely impressed by their answers.
We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in the organisation of these Careers Workshops, from SOS Africa Operations Manager Li-andi and her team, to our guest speakers, trainers and Somerset West Police Officers. Not only do we hope that our students enjoyed the experience and are better prepared for the important career choices which they will have to make after graduation but that they dream big and always believe in themselves!
