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ways than one.
The founder of Farayi Africa, Kudzai Sakajero, spoke on the innovation stressing that students stand to benefit since the expo is one with a difference.
“As a learning institution we put together this workshop where students are going to be empowered with knowledge on how they can choose the best careers.
“O-Level students are advised on what to consider when choosing A-Level combinations while A-Level students are given pointers on career choices,” she said.
Sakajero pointed out that preparations were at an advanced stage and they had so far consulted about 50 companies who have pledged to mount stands at the expo.
“Of all the companies that have promised to come, we are confident that a considerable number will come through.
“At this point we are still inviting the corporate world and learning institutions because it is a great opportunity to invest in future employees,” she said.
The corporate sector will take time not only to exhibit their products but to speak on how students can break into their sectors. Students will also be taught how they may assess their characters in order to choose the appropriate careers.
“Choosing the right career is of utmost importance because it is a way of mapping one’s future and it has to be done with caution.
“A person spends most of his or her time in the workplace so if one is in the wrong one they are bound to be incompetent,” she said.
Another facilitator of the expo, Tinashe Duma, revealed that the expo will pave way for a programme dubbed the “School Day at Work”. The programme will see students learning about different professions while doing actual jobs in real offices.
“Students present at the expo will be afforded a chance to register a maximum of three professions they would have developed an interest in and after the midyear examinations they will work for about three days to get a feel of the jobs,” she said.
Duma highlighted that they had to limit the programme to three days since anything over that translates to child labour.
She also added that executing the programme after examinations ensures that they do not disrupt lessons.
“They will also work out schedules with companies to ensure the programmes takes place on times convenient for both the company and the students. Putting into consideration that career choices are not limited to academics, we have to plans to invite players in the sports industry to contribute at the expo.
“Different people have made it in other disciplines if they commercialise their passion. Besides sports, we have people in cosmetics, beauty and health that are more than willing to play the role of career guardians,” she said.
Meanwhile, in Mutare, another organisation known as zwTeen Expo will hold an expo, the second one of its kind, on May 17 at St Joseph’s High School in Sakubva.
The event intends to highlight to teenagers ways to make informed decisions towards their future. This brainchild of a local NGO, Opportunities Abound Trust and TerSna Incorporated is an initiative aimed to give support of initiatives to ensure that the nation retains well-informed youths.
The aim for this expo is to create a platform for academic institutions, corporate organisations, civil organisations and Government institutes combined to exhibit their products and services that cater for the teenage market particularly the schools
At the same time the zwTeen Expo will inform teenagers on higher education, scholarships, study skills, career opportunities, teenage health issues, sports, arts, legal rights, financial skills, community participation and teenage risk and safety issues
Terence Phlint Mapuka, one of the event organisers, said many organisations will be present to market their services to teenagers as well as providing career guidance.
“This opportunity will allow exhibitors to interact with students on a business level so that they attain insight on which path to follow,” he said.
With the support of the Ministry of Labour and Social Services, the National Employment and Services Department over 2000 students are expected to attend the event.
Exhibitors include British Council, Econet Wireless with Joshua Nkomo Scholarship Fund, Global Academy, IOM, Blackfordby Agricultural College, Worldwide Scholarships and several Government institutions and local tertiary colleges among others.
The previous event had students from all over the country with some coming from as far afield as Buhera and Nyanga.
Online Reporter