SPARK Kempton Park hosts annual university day

Excitement filled the air on June 13 as learners arrived dressed as future doctors, pilots, engineers, teachers and entrepreneurs to celebrate university day at SPARK Kempton Park.

University Day is an annual event celebrated across the entire SPARK Schools network. Its goal is to inspire scholars to start thinking about their academic and career paths from a young age.

Tasleem Sather, school operations manager at SPARK Kempton Park, said the day is designed to promote a college-going culture and expose learners to a wide range of career possibilities.

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“We introduced University Day as an annual event to consistently promote a college-going culture and ensure that our scholars are continuously exposed to the possibilities their futures can hold,” said Sather.

“By celebrating it every year, we aim to build excitement around higher education, keep scholars motivated, and empower them to see themselves as future graduates.”

The event also had a fun, imaginative twist: learners were encouraged to dress up in the attire of the career or profession that inspires them most.

“This makes the day both educational and enjoyable,” Sather added. “It sparks curiosity and allows scholars to visualise themselves confidently in their dream roles.”

To inspire learners, the school invited a diverse group of speakers including professionals, SPARK alumni, parents and community leaders to share their journeys and insights.

This year’s speakers included Constable Mahlatsi Mphela from the EMPD, medical scientist Dr Hlambani Shirinda, DHL operations team leader Busisiwe Msibi, mining engineering lecturer Thovhedzo Gcuda, and aircraft engineer Mphonyana Matuludi.

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Matuludi, who is also a SPARK parent, said he was proud to contribute to the day. “SPARK is part of the community and encourages parents to be involved in shaping their children’s future,” he said.

“I wanted to help expose learners to the kinds of opportunities that are out there, including careers like aircraft engineering. Information is power, and when we share it, we empower children to make wise career choices.”

Speakers rotated through classrooms, sharing stories from their own school days, university experiences and career journeys. Learners had the chance to ask questions and interact with each speaker, gaining valuable insights into the real-life paths to success.

Grade Two learner Remofilwe Mohale shared her dream of becoming a businesswoman who gives back to her community.

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“I want to be a businesswoman because I want to have a lot of money and live in a mansion,” she said.

“But I won’t waste my money, I’ll help poor people and those who need help. I’ll also do a lot of shopping. My role model is Rihanna because she can sing and she is beautiful.”

Another learner, Nandi Mashiolane, shared her dream of becoming a surgeon.

“I want to help people with problems in their bodies and save lives. I also want to help the homeless by giving them food and clothes,” she said. “My role model is Ice Spice because she is beautiful and can rap.”