Mandume Primary school recently hosted a career day for their pupils which also commemorated the Day of the African Child, celebrated annually on 16 June.
Pupils of the school were encouraged to dress up like the professionals they wish to become when they finish high school and various professionals from different industries were invited to present themselves and to share the duties and roles they serve in their work place and organisation.
Members of the Namibia Police force, the Special Field Force, emergency services personnel including fire fighters, lawyers, doctors and nurses, artisans and engineers, specialists and entertainment icons were present to show the younger generation what potential roles they can take up in society.Head of department at Mandume Primary, Linda Shivute says: “Under the new curriculum, the Grade 7 subject choices in particular, the children don’t know where to go really.”
Shivute adds that this initiative was for the children to get an idea of the road ahead to be prepared for their choice of career after high school.
“It is an idea just to sensitize the kids on the different careers.” Shivute explains. This is the first occurrence of career day. “If it goes well we will have it every year.”
The career day is a result of the changes to the curriculum that were introduced in 2013. Shivute explains that it is best to prepare the children with events such as career days in order for them to be prepared for the way ahead.
The principal of the Mandume Primary, Robert Dishena, encouraged the pupils to listen to each presentation made by the professionals. The police officers presented the various items they had on them. The flashlight on their waist band and the ammunition belt holsters, the various actions that the police encourage and their role in the society. The officer also explained the dangers associated with firearms.
A member of the fire brigade spoke to the children about the various emergency numbers that children should know, also what should be reported to them. He stressed that playing with fire should be reported, as it is how the fire brigade can help stop or prevent the spread of the fire if it is uncontrolled.
Many children wore a white coat to symbolise their desire to be doctors, and one boy aspired to be a farmer.
A handful of the pupils wanted the Special Field Force personnel to explain their uniforms and gadgets.
The other police officers on hand wanted to know from the pupils who wanted to be a sheriff or a police officer, and also spoke to the children to find out what they would do if they saw a bad guy.
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