Liesbeeck Primary hosts its first career day
Liesbeeck Primary School held their very first career day. The pupils got to dress up in the career they wish to pursue.
Liesbeeck Primary School held their very first career day at which pupils dressed up as what they’d like to be when they grow up.
Guest speakers at the event, held on Wednesday November 9, included author and philanthropist Rodney Brown; international cricketer, Saleem Mukuddem; attorney Lynn Swartz; physician Dr Zaraina Solomons, entrepreneur Ragmah Jappie; and entrepreneur and drone specialist Marshal Nelson.
“It’s nice to see pupils happy and being children who’ve dressed up as the career they would like to pursue,” said teacher Irafaan Abrahams.
“I want them to dream, want to show them some positivity, hope they don't forget today and that they will remember it,” he said.
Mr Mukuddem, CFO of the Nal'ibali Trust, and a member of the Protea Veterans Cricket team, played international cricket for Bermuda where he lived for nine years. He was also a chartered accountant.
Nal'ibali promotes reading for enjoyment and last year, he said, he read 36 000 pages. He is now on a mission to exceed that. “I must make the time to read. Trying to get pupils to believe that it's possible for them too.”
He went to Belgravia High School and lived in Rylands. “Where I come from didn’t determine where I go. Work smart not hard. Chase the effort instead of the end result and focus on the effort,” he told the children.
“I wasn't an A student. It didn't take me 7 years, it took me 10 but that's ok. Life is hard but we deal with it as it comes.”
Lynn Swartz, an attorney with her own practice specialising in family law, is a former Liesbeeck Primary and Portland High school pupil. She shared her journey with the pupils and enjoyed the experience.
Mr Brown said this should’ve happened a long time ago. “They will remember this for a day or two but if we can leave them with something they will remember, then I’ve done my job. I wish them all the best.”
Mr Nelson explained the work he has done with drones and said he was on a mission to help build a drone economy in Mitchell's Plain. “It's a toy that can become your career,” he said.