In a bid to inspire informed career choices among young people, eThekwini Municipality recently hosted a “Take a Child to Work” initiative, welcoming learners from 11 high schools and one school for learners with disabilities across Durban.The programme, led by Nkosenhle Madlala, Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, grouped pupils into teams of 20 to shadow professionals across various municipal departments.
The initiative aimed to provide learners with firsthand exposure to real workplace environments and career pathways.Madlala highlighted the importance of early career awareness, noting that subject choices made in school significantly influence employment opportunities later in life. He explained that a lack of exposure often contributes to high unemployment rates among youth and graduates.
“We want learners to understand how their subject choices affect the jobs they can access,” he said, emphasizing that practical experience can help them make better-informed decisions.He added that the programme also seeks to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, where many parents may not have the resources to expose their children to diverse career options.
By introducing learners to professional environments, the municipality hopes to instill values such as etiquette, professionalism, and workplace readiness.During the visit, students were introduced to all municipal departments, with detailed presentations outlining each department’s role, responsibilities, and the skills required for different careers. Learners also participated in interactive question-and-answer sessions with management teams, giving them an opportunity to engage directly with professionals.
One of the participants, Nontando Zulu, a Grade 10 learner from Velabahleke High School, expressed excitement about being part of the initiative. She described the experience as a milestone that broadened her understanding of potential career paths.
The day concluded with a guided tour of municipal facilities, leaving learners with a deeper appreciation of how the city operates. Officials hope the initiative will not only improve academic performance but also guide learners toward meaningful and sustainable career choices.Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
