A mother and daughter duo hosted a careers exhibition for high schools pupils in Manenberg.
Shamira Goolam, who is a former pupil of Silverstream High School, and her daughter, Aqueelah Abdroff, a University of Cape Town (UCT) student, arranged the event, which attracted more than 500 pupils.
Among the institutions at the careers exhibition were the University of the Western Cape (UWC), College of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, False Bay College, Regent Business School and Richfield Educational Institute. Captain Ian Bennett, spokesperson of Manenberg SAPS, also spoke to the pupils about career opportunities within SAPS.
Ms Abdroff said their motivation to host this event was three-fold.
“It is known that about 65% of learners do not attend the open days of higher education institutions, and because of this statistic my mother decided to host a programme which brings the institutions to the learners. We were also inspired by a family friend who is from Manenberg, Abduragmaan Arendse, 21, who is a student at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). He is currently placed second on the dean’s merit list for a BCom degree. His potential spoke volumes to so many others in his position, who may not have access to the necessary information with regards to higher education.
“Being a former learner of Silverstream High School in Manenberg, my mother also had first-hand experience of the violence and suffering plaguing the community. It is her hope that through this higher education information programme, that more learners will feel enabled to take the leap to apply at tertiary institutions to better their future, rather than succumbing to the cycle of gangsterism, drugs and teenage pregnancy,” Ms Abdroff said.
The event was held at Surrey Primary School on Saturday September 23 and the schools invited include; Phoenix, Manenberg, Heideveld and Silverstream high schools, as well as The Leadership College (TLC).
Kayleen Lewis, a Grade 11 pupil at Phoenix High described the exhibition as a “great experience”.
“It really helped me understand what I need to know for my career and future. It showed me that there are a lot of options for us and that nothing can really stand in the way of your future plans or dreams if you have the right mindset. It taught me that there are always opportunities. Some of the minimum requirements are high, but the most important thing is that you don’t give up. And even if you don’t really know what you want to do or where to go, you can always ask for help, which is one of the key lessons we were taught. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it shows that you are determined. To be honest, I was slightly disappointed when I learnt that because of some of our subjects some careers are limited to us — but there are always other options,” Kayleen said.
Ms Goolam thanked Mustadafin Foundation, Peninsula Beverages and Salie & Salie Attorneys for supplying the pupils with meals on the day.