Learners at Ferndale High School were given a fresh look at their futures when the school hosted a career exhibition aimed at broadening their study and career choices.

Teacher Rakgadi Shai, who is in charge of the foundation phase, said the event was organised after staff realised many learners only knew about a few well-known universities.

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“We noticed that our learners are stereotyped. They only know certain universities because of their background. They don’t realise that there is a wide range of institutions where they can study,” she explained.

Shai said many learners aim for a specific university, but once they hear about the entry requirements, they feel discouraged.

“They look at the requirements and then look at themselves and feel like there’s no way they can be part of that institution. Then they just give up,” she said. “They think if they don’t qualify for that one university, there is nothing else they can do.”

To address this, the school invited different institutions to set up information stands on campus. The goal was to bring opportunities directly to the learners, as many do not have the time or resources to visit campuses themselves.

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“We are forever here at school. Some learners don’t even know where these institutions are based or when to go and enquire. So bringing them here made it easy.”

After the exhibition, she asked learners for feedback. Many told her the session was helpful and that they had discovered new options they had never considered before.

One learner said she was excited to learn more about becoming an au pair. “Just taking care of kids and getting paid,” the learner said, adding that she was surprised to learn that the job now requires formal training and even a driver’s licence.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Ferndale High School learners Amanda Mafu and Lethabo Lamola speak about their experience at the career expo. Video: Nkazimulo Ncube #Ferndale #Randburg ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North

The exhibition was mainly aimed at Grade 12 learners, who were given more time to engage with the institutions. Grade 11 learners were invited later in the session for a shorter visit.

Some Grade 11s said the time was too limited and that they wished they could visit more stands before having to leave for transport. However, many still said the experience gave them a clearer idea of what is possible after school.

Shai believes the event showed just how much learners need exposure to different career paths.

“At least now they have a clue. They know there are other options out there,” she said.

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