Learners urged to make informed career choices during Univen expo

The career expo that started earlier this week at the University of Venda (Univen) may become an annual event. It provides an opportunity for thousands of local learners to gain knowledge about various study fields and career opportunities, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their future careers.

The expo began on Monday, 23 September, and will continue until Friday, 27 September. Learners from all 18 circuits of the Vhembe region were invited to attend.

The expo is the brainchild of social activist Mr. Aubrey Matsila, who is also the director of the Mukonazwothe Foundation. The foundation partnered with Univen and the Department of Basic Education.

Matsila said the project was inspired by his observations of learners at rural and urban schools. “I did a comparative study on the state of career awareness between rural learners and urban learners. The findings were intriguing and aligned with the vision that our NPO seeks to achieve. The concept was created out of the need to empower and uplift rural communities,” he said. He added that he could easily relate to the problems such children faced because he came from a similar background.

“We have 34 schools participating, with just over 2,000 learners attending,” he said, adding that because of the massive interest shown, they planned to make the project an annual event.

Matsila said they had brought in different experts to share their knowledge and discuss their areas of expertise. Exhibitors from various entities are also showcasing their offerings and products to the learners. “We are proud to say the MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya, has confirmed that she will officially close the event on Friday,” he said.

Speaking at the event, the Vhembe District Municipality’s executive mayor, Frieda Nkondo, thanked the Mukonazwothe Foundation and Univen for initiating such an event. She urged the learners to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the government, such as bursary schemes for deserving students.

Date:28 September 2024

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.

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