Matopos rotaract takes career guidance to Bulawayo high-density suburb

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.