The gr. 9 to 12 learners of Derek Kobe Secondary School in Lebowakgomo said they were inspired and motivated at the first annual Lebowakgomo Alumni career expo on Saturday.
Lebowakgomo Alumni is an organisation made up of professionals, academics and business owners who want to help young people advance their education.
The organisation’s founder, Marumo Segabutla, said the aim of the event was to make a meaningful difference in the lives of learners so that these learners could access better futures through education.
“We decided to kick off with a career day to broaden the minds of the learners and to show them the wide variety of careers available to them,” Segabutla said.
“Lebowakgomo Alumni members also run a mentorship programme where they help gr. 12 learners to achieve better grades and where they help the learners under their mentorship to overcome many of life’s obstacles.”
Itumeleng Thobadi, a metallurgist, spoke at the career expo and reminded the learners of the importance of applying for courses and bursaries in advance.
“When you apply early for courses, it gives you the opportunity to secure your place at the institution of your choice. To apply early for bursaries also gives you the opportunity to work out your finances before the education year starts,” she said.
Itumeleng Chidi, a lecturer at the University of Limpopo, said learners should not allow their poor backgrounds to determine their futures.
“Anything is possible if you put all your energy, thoughts and planning into it. Never give up. The only certain way to succeed in life is to try one more time until you get it right,” she said.
Chidi also encouraged the learners to make the most of the career day and to learn as much as they possibly could from the speakers.
Khensani Mashila, a gr.10 leaner, said she learned many things at the career day.
“I was so happy to see a metallurgist here, because that is the career I want to follow. To see her here made me realise that everything is possible for me too.”
