Liesbeeck Primary pupils inspired at career day

Marsha Bothma|Published 1 year ago

The pupils were delighted to meet the guests who shared their journey and expertise at Liesbeeck Primary School’s annual career day. Pictured are the guest speakers and pupils dressed up in their potential career uniforms.

Liesbeeck Primary School Grade 6 and 7 pupils were given a glimpse into the world of work when the school hosted its annual career day on Wednesday November 8.

Special guests including an entrepreneur, former cricket player, singer, lawyer and clothing designer spoke to the pupils about what they do.

Liesbeeck Primary School teacher, Irafaan Abrahams said the calibre of guests was amazing.

“It was special. Sometimes children may lack the courage to dream but the guest speakers were blown away by the enthusiasm of the pupils and realised they can dream and do it,” he said.

Mr Abraham’s former pupil and manager of RLabs, Mareldia Wentzel, said speaking to the pupils was out of her comfort zone. “The pupils understood what an entrepreneur means which is what I understood at a young age; I was selling things and exercising that skill.”

Manager of RLabs, Mareldia Wentzel, had some advice for budding entrepreneurs.

Artist Sean Nefdt, from Milnerton, said the pupils are focused and they know what they want to do. “I’m hopeful we made a difference in their lives and guided them to the place that they will land up in.”

Artist Sean Nefdt, from Milnerton, hopes the pupils gained inspiration from the talks.

Former high performance manager of Cricket South Africa, Vincent Barnes, said: “I’ve been to quite a few schools and some of them experience deep social ills. What stood out today is the work you do. Keeping them focused and on target. Some of them may not get there but they have high dreams and hopes and they should keep going. The hard work the school is putting into the community is amazing.”

Oahk Clothing fashion designer Nazley Davids praised the initiative. “I really enjoyed it and it was valuable for all the pupils. It should be rolled out to all schools. I’m very honoured to be a part of it.”

Grade 7 pupil, Zahra Fick, said: “I am encouraged by my dreams and to never give up. Thank you for the career day.”

Grade 7 pupils at the career day, from left, are Rabiah Davids, Zahra Fick, Amy Opperman and Tylo van der Vent.

Grade 7 pupil Amy Opperman said the day was informative and inspirational.

Rabiah Davids, a Grade 7 pupil, said she walked away encouraged to dream. She said it seemed impossible but after the guest speakers spoke to them, they were motivated.

Tylo van der Vent, a Grade 7 pupil, wants to be a fashion designer with a back up plan to be a teacher. “I look forward to my future, I know what I want and don’t want but I am grateful to have learned so much at the career day.”