The Southern Highveld Community Development Trust (SHCDT) gave 550 learners the chance to attend a Go Getters workshop at Graceland Casino, Hotel and Country Club.
The SHCDT is Graceland’s community social investment initiative. The Grades Eight to 12 learners from 11 different schools in the Govan Mbeki municipal area attended the workshops held over two Saturdays in April.
The SHCDT, founded in 2001, has helped more than 100 deserving youngsters obtain a tertiary education and achieve their dreams through a hands-on bursary programme. The SHCDT has run the Go Getters and the career day workshops over the years.
SHCDT manager Thomas Masango said the Covid-19 pandemic placed these workshops on hold for a few years, although they still supported the students in the bursary programme.
However, they reinstated the Go Getters workshop, accommodating learners from Thomas Nhlabathi Secondary School, Kiriyatswane Secondary School, KI Twala Secondary School, Sizwakele Secondary Schools and Kusasalethu Secondary School in eMbalenhle and Osizweni Secondary School in Evander.
The second group of learners who attended this workshop are from Alpheus D Nkosi Secondary School, Ikhethelo Secondary School and eMzinoni Secondary School in Bethal and the Chief Ampie Mayisa Secondary School and Vukuqhakaze Secondary School in Leandra.
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Masango said the Go Getters were initiated by the Trust to inspire high school learners to explore new opportunities, consider study and career options and push themselves beyond their comfort zones. These workshops featured SHCDT bursary alumni as speakers and facilitators.
By highlighting the SHCDT trust bursary alumni’s achievements and having them share their stories of perseverance and hard work, these events also ignite a spark in learners to strive for success and pursue their passions with determination.
Bongumusa Mavuso and Mlungisi Mazibuko facilitated the past two workshops. Mavuso graduated as a chemical engineer in 2014 and is currently working for a company in Limpopo. Mazibuko, who graduated last year, is also a chemical engineer, currently employed by Sasol.
These two engineers shared their stories, along with alumni from other trusts, to foster a sense of motivation and ambition among the attending learners.
The facilitators also shared their personal development strategies, which hopefully broadened the learners’ horizons and encouraged them to think about their future goals.
“The Go Getters programme also provides valuable networking opportunities for learners,” said Masango.
“They can interact with the alumni, mentors and peers who share similar interests or career aspirations, allowing them to build connections that could be beneficial for their future endeavours.
“Additionally, these workshops contribute to a positive school culture by promoting a growth mindset and a focus on personal development.
“When learners see their peers and role models achieving success through dedication and effort, it creates a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to aim high and work towards their dreams.
“The Go Getters events play a crucial role in shaping the learners’ mindsets, fostering ambition, and providing them with the tools and inspiration they need to pursue their goals and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.”
In addition, the learners at the workshops could also attend a career expo, professionally assembled by the staff of Graceland, showcasing career opportunities available at the resort and casino.
The staff manned various exhibits where they shared what each job entails, the skills and qualifications needed, and answered questions. The learners also did a few interactive exercises and had refreshments on arrival and lunch.
