Online Reporter
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
IT was a hive of activity on Wednesday at Chiwere Primary School in Odzi under Mutare District as the institution hosted a highly engaging Career Day, aimed at equipping learners from both primary and secondary schools in the area with knowledge about various professional pathways they can pursue in the future.
The well-attended event, held at the request of Chiwere Primary School, was conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, which has the mandate to educate learners and the public on career opportunities and employment-related services.
The Career Day function drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 1 100 learners from 10 schools surrounding Chiwere Primary.
The platform brought together 15 exhibitors including Government departments, members of the uniformed forces, and representatives from the private sector.
These stakeholders shared valuable insights into diverse professions, sparking great interest among the inquisitive learners.
Speaking during the event, a visibly elated Chiwere Primary School head, Mr Bright Mharakurwa, applauded the success of the initiative.
“We realised that our area is infested with artisanal miners, makorokoza, and most learners were being distracted from pursuing professional careers, falling prey instead to the insecure allure of gold mining,” said Mr Mharakurwa.
He added that a significant number of learners in the area come from underprivileged backgrounds, and often miss out on career guidance and exposure that their urban counterparts enjoy.
“We saw a gap and our vibrant, enterprising staff came up with the idea, planned and executed this event until it became a reality,” he said.
The importance of such initiatives was echoed in the remarks delivered on behalf of Mutare District Schools Inspector, Mrs Tracy Mademutsa, by Mrs Matibini, headmistress at Chirasika Primary School.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education appreciates the efforts of Mr Mharakurwa and his team, as well as the various Government departments and organisations that came to equip learners with vital information that can help shape their future,” she said.
Mrs Mademutsa described the Career Day as a pivotal moment.
“A seed has been sown today, and it is now the duty of the teachers to cultivate that seed as learners have gained insight and ignited a passion for their potential careers,” she said.
She urged parents to continue supporting their children and encouraged learners to let the day inspire them as they shape their futures.
Mrs Norah Torto, the Provincial Employment Officer in the Department of Employment Services and Promotion under the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, also addressed the gathering.
She applauded Chiwere Primary School for initiating the event, urging other schools to follow suit.
“Our department does not always have the resources to reach every school during our routine career day programmes held once in each district. This kind of initiative from schools is highly commendable,” she said.
Mrs Torto took the opportunity to share critical life lessons with the learners.
She implored the girl child to focus on her education and avoid being lured into early marriages, a pressing concern in many communities.
To the boy child, she issued a stern warning against drug and substance abuse, which she said was a major scourge the government is actively working to eliminate.
Career Days, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, play a crucial role in shaping the aspirations of learners.
They offer much-needed exposure, mentorship, and information that learners might otherwise not access.
These events serve as bridges between the classroom and the real world of work, helping learners envision the steps they must take to achieve their goals.
