On
Friday, 1 August, rotaract club of matopos held a career guidance day at
Mpopoma high school, under the theme ‘inspire Bulawayo’. This event attracted
close to 500 students attending schools within Bulawayo`s high density suburbs.
Respected
officials at the function included the Deputy Provincial Education Officer, Mr.
Moyo, who gave the guest of honor`s speech. Mrs. L Moyo, The Provincial Education
Officer-Career Guidance and Counseling- for Bulawayo, also graced the event
with her presence and encouraged rotaractors to continue with such a project.
This
event was made a success by 17 exhibitors emanating from the country`s tertiary
institutions, vocational training centers, profit and non-profit making
organisations. They inspired the learner with their presentations and guidance on
diverse career opportunities.
Notable
among these exhibitors, were NUST, Lupane State University, Catholic University
of Zimbabwe, UNISA, Bulawayo Polytechnic College, and Speciss College, Trust
Academy, Careers R Us, British Council Library and Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association.
In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe, Nissan Clover, Dema-tech
Engineering, Southern-Eye Newspaper, the Forestry Commission, Catholic Relief Services,
and Mpilo medical doctor, Tatenda Simango, also participated in the fair.
In
his comment on why the club had decided to do this specific project, the club`s
public relations officer, Ngonidzashe, said: “cases of teenage pregnancy, and students
dropping-out of school in pursuit of criminal activities, inspired the project.
Such issues characterize our high-density suburbs; hence, with this project we aimed
to inspire the students into realizing their potential beyond their immediate
circumstances. I can say the students were inspired, the exhibitors were
inspirational.”
This
event marked the club`s first project for the year, focusing on education and
literacy development, following their book donation at Hope Fountain high
school, in 2013.
Speaking
to the club after touring the exhibitors’ stands with the Ed.- Officer, the
Deputy PED Mr. Moyo said he was very impressed by the club`s initiative, and
the ministry of education would be most welcoming to any similar projects by
the club.
However,
Mr. Moyo highlighted that although the turnout was great, it would be great if
the club can engage more exhibitors from arts and vocational training centers,
on their next fairs; since they were very few exhibitors from that sector, on
the day.
In
response, Kitso Dube, a Professional Development Director for the club, said, “It
was unfortunate that some of the vocational training institutions we had invited
failed to make it. However, we will keep on inviting them and try to increase
their representation on our next event.”
Her
sentiments were also echoed by the club`s PRO who said, “We hope to see more
players from the corporate world and vocational training sector, engaging in
such activities as a fulfillment of their social responsibility and commitment
to empowering the youths who are most likely the next generation entrepreneurs
or their employees.”
Giving
the vote of thanks, on behalf of the club, was the Vice-President-Nyasha
Muronzi, who expressed gratitude to the ministry of education and all the
exhibitors at the event.
In
his short speech, Nyasha said, “The support we have received from the ministry
and the various exhibitors today has been amazing. We will keep engaging you in
our future projects. We thank you very much for inspiring Bulawayo and
partnering with us on this project.”
The
rotaract club of matopos has initiated a number of charity projects within
Bulawayo over the past years. Recent among their projects are, a food and
bedding material donation to St Francis children`s home, Ekhupumuleni old
people`s home, and a book donation to hope fountain high school.
On
a closing note, the club`s president, Lindiwe Nhlamba, emphasised that the club
will continue with its efforts to help its surrounding communities and initiate
projects that will touch lives.
“Our
projects will not stop here; we have more plans to keep initiating projects
that will help people in need, especially those residing in areas that are
least frequented by those who have resources to make a difference in other
people`s lives,” said Lindiwe.
