Skills expo brings knowledge to the people

SKILLS development and professional training institutions should do more to bridge the information gap by increasing public awareness on the programmes they offer and the opportunities for employment creation for students.

This emerged during an “Education and Skills Expo” hosted at Entumbane suburb on Sunday where scores of people had a chance to interact with training institutions on various career development courses.

The National University of Science and Technology (Nust), Lupane State University, Bulawayo Polytechnic, Esigodini Agricultural College, Bulawayo City Council Training Centre, Blended Education College of Southern Africa, Active Training Centre and the Institute of Commerce and Administration were among the participating institutions.The expo was organised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Entumbane. Mziyanda Ncube, who is doing Lower Six, said the expo was an eye opener as he managed to get different options to pursue once he finishes his Advanced Level studies.

“I leant a lot by interacting with various institutions, which are exhibiting here. There are a number of courses that many young people like me can do,” he said.

“Some of these courses don’t require one to have five O-level passes and we have many youths who can be enrolled to study them and have careers.”

Gogo Virginia Tshuma said community outreach programme affords parents an opportunity to visit institutions with their children so that they can discuss career paths with them. She said lack of knowledge on career opportunities was another factor fuelling drug and substance abuse.

“Sometimes we keep our children at home but by coming here it opened my eyes on possible courses that the youths can do. Some of them end up involved in wrong behaviours because they do not have information,” she said.

“I feel that those who offer skills training must do more to get word to the communities because they offer short courses, which are affordable.”

A 16-year-old pupil, Junior Ndebele, who also participated at the expo said he will share the information he got with his parents.

Ms Sukulohle Ncube said she was happy to see a number of youths visiting the exhibitions stands as they are beneficiaries of such programs.

“I was not aware of this programme, but when I saw the tents I came to find out what was happening. I visited all the stands and got good information,” she said.

“I wish I was young I would have enrolled in some of these courses ,but now, at over 65, I cannot manage. This programme was an eye opener. We must have more of this.”

A lecturer from Esigodini Agricultural College, Ms Sizanani Sikhosana, said they interacted with many people who expressed interest in studying agriculture.

“We have recorded positive visits to our stand. There are many who expressed their love for agriculture but they did not know about us. We gave out a lot of brochures, which was good,” she said.

“This programme has made us to be known by members of the public because we are not located far from Bulawayo and our three year diploma programme is very affordable.”

SDA Entumbane District pastor, Dr Yamukelani Humphrey Ngwenya, said the programme was conscientising the community about various educational and skills opportunities available within Bulawayo.

“This is an effort to complement Government with regards to the issue of curbing drug and substance abuse, among young people. Most of our youths are indulging in these illicit activities due to the fact that they do not have anything to do,” he said.

“We are also exposing young people to careers so that they will live purpose driven lives and also exposing parents so that they play a critical role of guidance on young people.” —@themkhust