Take a Learner to Work Day, was a turning point for many high school students with whom professionals shared their working day.
Take a Learner to Work Day, was a turning point for many high school students with whom professionals shared their working day.
For some students it was confirmation that they were on the right track; for others it was a timely hint to change their academic focus. Either way, Take a Learner to Work Day, on 29 July, was significant for many of these young people.
Pumeza Kalipha, Coordinator of Maths, Science and Technology at the Education Department, said that the objective of the day was to expose students to career opportunities in science so they could make more informed decisions about their careers.
Grade 11 pupils from local schools including Mary Waters, Nombulelo, Ntsika and Kutliso Daniels high schools arrived at the Education Department on the morning of the 29 July and set off with their mentors for the day.
Visits
Ntsika high school pupil Anathi Siwele, was hosted by Celeste Booth, Assistant Curator in the Archaeology Department at the Albany Natural Museum. Siwele was surprised at the close link between science and history. While he loved the experience of SciFest two years ago, he decided a career in engineering was better suited for him compared to archaeology.
Collections Officer at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Bafo Konqobe, showed students how animal specimens were preserved. The students were also taken to the Parataxonomy labs of the nearby South African Environmental Observation Network.
Here they learnt that parataxonomists sort collected samples of sea life into units based on easily recognised features. They usually work with taxonomists, who can then apply their specialist knowledge and skills to the project.
An inspirational message of perseverance by lab assistants, Kholekile Mpaku and Lulama Poni prompted Mary Waters’s student McVay Boko to say, “It is very interesting. I never thought I’d learn so much. I need to do something to improve my studies to get here.”
Thembisa Thethani, from Ntsika, avidly took notes as Butler's Pharmacy's front-of-shop assistant, Richard Koliti, guided her through the aisles, explaining what each type of medicine was for. Thethani, who wants to become a pharmacist, said the experience convinced her she was pursuing the right career and that his career would be helpful at home.
Responses
The pupils returned to the Education Department in the afternoon, where Dr Elna Barnard, Deputy Chief Education Specialist for Tele-collaboration Learners in Education and as well as Kalipha facilitated a feedback session.
Overall, the students said it had been a valuable learning experience both for those who changed their minds about their future professions and for others making them more determined to study hard.
Barnard stressed the importance of end-of-year Grade 11 results for university admission and encouraged them to work hard.
“Don’t think it’s just going to happen. You need to practise,” she said.
