Five Rand Primary hosts inaugural career fair

THE Five Rand Primary School at Okahandja will host its inaugural career fair and expo on Friday, under the theme ‘Heritage for Change’.

The event aims to attract as many youngsters as possible from Okahandja and surrounding towns, as well as other youth from primary school to tertiary level.

According to life skills teacher and school counsellor Rauna Nghifikwa-Shaalukeni, the event was driven by the underperformance of pupils at the school last year.

“We felt moved to make a difference by providing our pupils with this type of exposure and motivation,” she says.

This is in line with the education ministry’s arts and culture curriculum and heritage syllabus.

“Career fairs are also part of the life skills curriculum, and it is my responsibility as a life skills teacher to ensure pupils apply to the right schools and understand different careers and requirements,” she says.

The programme also caught the interest of life skills teachers from beyond Okahandja, who have already confirmed their attendance.

“I’ve noticed that the majority of our pupils come from low-income families and lack access to the information that we intend to bring to them. The majority do not have access to the internet to research various careers they wish to pursue in the future,” says Nghifikwa-Shaalukeni.

The organisers have invited institutions such as the University of Namibia, the International University of Management, the Namibia University of Science and Technology, Welwitschia, Namcol, Triumphant College, Lingua, the College of the Arts, Clocknet Vocational, National Training Authority, local banks, financial institutions such as Metropolitan, Old Mutual, Sanlam and Bornlife, as well as all high schools and combined schools in the Okahandja circuit.

“With the number of guests and information that will be at the fair and expo, I believe the children will be more motivated and inspired to go out there and chase their dreams,” she says.

Making the right study decisions now will ensure the pupils make a difference in the community and country in future, she adds.

Simon Kavita, a local motivational speaker and software engineer, has also been invited to serve as a career coach and adviser at the event.

According to Kavita, it is essential for schools to hold career fairs because it allows pupils to meet with professionals in their desired field at a young age. “This can help them make informed decisions,” says Kavita.