adminIn only its third edition, operation “bringing schools nearer industry”, a school children focused career guidance initiative was a sold out last Friday.
This is wholly attributable to the three fundamental building blocks used, the first one being that of belief in self — which belief can bring about the success desired.
Self is used in this article in an all-inclusive manner: — individual, an organisation, a community, a profession, or even a nation.
The second building block is a concept borrowed from the uniformed forces, where use of the code name “Operation” brings about pleasing results.
I have in the past written about “Operation Desert Storm”, operation this and that — you know what I mean. The term conjures focus, focus carrying determination to succeed and consequently celebrations associated with the success thereof, I once wrote.
The third building block derives from galas in Zimbabwe. “Bigger and better” is a term now fondly associated with galas, the uMdalawethu type.
The term is full of hope that something better than previous offerings will emerge in the current offering.
The event I am writing about this week is a Career Guidance initiative for Schools in the heart of the Matabeleland South Province that started three years ago and code named operation “Bringing Schools Nearer Industry”.
Some brief history. A progressive organisation allowed a high school it oversees to, together with other schools in the province, come and expose school children to operations in its factory, in order to help the children choose careers from an informed perspective after touring and seeing things for themselves.
This is in the main a corporate social investment type programme, probably a first in the nation unless someone comes to claim this province oriented top spot.
The first edition of this noble initiative, in 2010, was a success by any standards. Five high schools participated and about one hundred students participated. Ministry officials joined with company officials and it was good — there was sharing at the right levels. Some egos were stroked and children also benefited.
Oh I almost forgot, the food was also good.
In the second edition, last year, the organisers increased the bar (learning curve derived), with even better results. Nine schools attended and 320 school children participated.
Although the food was not at its best (due to effects of the world economic recession) the initiative was a huge success — good stuff.
In both industry and in the world of galas there is a common denominator, performance is measured in terms of numbers or volumes, the key success words being “bigger and better”.
The authors of the Operation Bringing Schools Nearer Industry initiative must have borrowed from the gala and industry belief systems, going into the just-ended third edition. The theme this year was “Operation Bringing Schools Nearer Industry — Bigger and Better”.
What was the outcome of the event, columnist? You really want to know, dear reader?
It became “Biggest and Best” A total of 21 schools participated and brought through over 540 students and 52 teachers — that was some kind of gala, man! This is where being a journalist (even if self-taught) comes in handy.
You get invited to these functions. Indeed I was invited to cover the event!
I am not sure where I should start but then the food was something else, “voluminous and good tasting”.
That was surely not the major attraction, columnist? I do agree, but you know what dear reader, that food was indeed good, period.
The following high and secondary schools attended; Colleen Bawn , Manama, Zezani (well done), Ntepe, Mkhalipe, Mabheka, Nhwali, Nkwidzi,
Sabiwa, Mzimuni, JZ Moyo, Sibona (well done nqama), Selonga, Gwanda High, Gwanda Government, Mzingwane, Ntalale, Gungwe, Garanyemba, Nkazhe and Nyandeni.
Mr M Ncube of Colleen Bawn High attributed the monumental success to good planning, involving all stakeholders from the onset, and the ability by all involved to put in a lot of extra hours towards this noble project. In short it was about team spirit and a shared vision.
Let me talk a little bit about the exhibitions. From the company side, the following disciplines were covered in great depth:- human resources, administration, risk, quality assurance, information technology, warehouse, motor transport, quarry, engineering (mechanical, electrical, boiler-making, civils), production and planning.
In each station, children were given an overview about the discipline, what subject combination is required, the different levels that can be attained, before they were shown various equipment and how it is operated.
Movement was controlled by means of a high level siren. Well done exhibitors — did you know that you get better as you train others?
An additional feature in this year’s edition was the presence of external exhibitors. We had exhibits from JM Polytechnic — mama mia, you ain’t seen nothing yet. What a rounded exhibit, is all I can say — well done Big Josh.
I tasted their confectionary — munchy, is how I can best describe the scones I ate.
The uniformed forces were also there, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) all the way from Llewelin Barracks and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP — Colleen Bawn) — awu suka wena — kwaze kwaba kuhle madoda!
The Zimbabwe Open University was also represented. Again, a polished exhibition.
To cap it all, there was a scholarship section, the American Corner, it was called, manned by two able teenagers who explained to students career opportunities and funding in American universities.
We were also treated to some jika majika type dance by a primary school dance ensemble and I found myself dancing along.
Recall the “now I can dance” article? Well done kids, our future Zaharas.
The world of a journalist is amazing — you pick this and that as you move around. There were confessions from elders in the crowd.
“I never did this career guidance thing during my time, my dream at school was to become a tractor or bus driver”! You progress all the way to O-Level, with an aspiration to be a driver? Phambili nge careers guidance, is all I can say.
Take home this week? I love my type of journalism — it is called a win-win type of journalism.
You empower yourself as you recognise the good work being done by others. To Colleen Bawn High and the collaborating schools, Education Ministry officials and the industry partners, I say well done. We certainly owe all we did to our children, the future leaders.
In my culture we say lakusasa lingadinwa (do not tire even in the morrow).
To the entire Matabeleland South Province (where the event took place and where I hail from), I say you are a province with hope (and minerals) — let us actualise the potential.
- I rest my collaboration inspired case, dear reader. Next year we expect a “Biggest and Best-est” edition, guys. Send comments and views to e-mail address hecandbe@ gmail.com or sms 0777556081.
Online Reporter