Girls from Summit College in their “graduation gowns” after their student walk at the SBL
The SBL invited eleven Grade 11 girls from Summit College to spend the Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day® on 31 May 2012 at the Business School. This campaign was originally initiated in 2003 and focuses on two main objectives namely to expose young girl learners to the “world of work” and the wide range of career opportunities, as well as to give them the opportunity to meet career role models. In essence it seeks to make girls aware of the important role they can play in the South African economy.
Upon their arrival at the SBL a “caucus” meeting was staged in the board room with the girls as the “board members”. On the agenda was the ice breaker to ensure the girls are relaxed and free to interact with each other and the participating staff members. The “board meeting” involved presentations ranging from general information on the UNISA SBL as well as department structures and how they intertwine and work together. The girls were then addressed by Prof Pumela Msweli, who delivered an informative talk which addressed critical thinking. The girls found the address extremely valuable, and were keen to understand how they can begin to “think more effectively”.
The second part of the programme included the student walk:
The girls were viewed as SBL students and instructions were given to them that traced the SBL “student walk”. This gave the girls an opportunity to interact with a number of SBL staff members. They asked questions and questioned answers; this was an informative part of their visit as they explored the many possibilities they have for their future.
The day came to a conclusion with a staged graduation. The girls could almost taste the feeling of obtaining a degree. The ceremony left them determined and eager to push and work hard to achieve their goals and one day be a graduate as well as a vanguard of industry. They were inspired by an invited guest speaker Ms Siza Dlamini, Corporate Affairs Executive at AdvTech. She motivated the girls with a talk on how important it is to embark on any project with passion.
The girl child day proved to be a learning curve for both the school girls as well as SBL employees. SBL staff aimed to broaden the possible career horizons for the girls and assist them in identifying opportunities that can make a difference in their lives.
The theme for 2012 was “Choose your tomorrow, today”.
