Mitchell’s Plain pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions and talk to representatives of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) centres, university and community programmes to help them further their education and achieve their desired career path.
The South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) hosted a youth career expo at Darul Arqam Islamic High School, in Eastridge, on Wednesday June 20.
Insaaf Osman, vocational training officer, said various high schools in the area had been invited to the event.
“We want to encourage youth to reach matric and enter university. We’re hosting this expo so pupils can be more informed about the registration process, what subjects are needed for certain career paths and also look at alternatives and non-profit organisations who can help them achieve their goals,” she said.
Ms Osman said they worked closely with some of the representatives during the year to help upskill members of the community and allow them to achieve the necessary certificates.
Head boy at the host Eastridge school, Usaamah Abrahams, said he would like to study at Stellenbosch University.
While he had his study path sorted, his classmate Qudasiyah Hoosain, from Old Woodlands, said with the help of The Communiversity of South Africa, she would be able to improve on her academic results and increase her chances of studying law at the University of the Western Cape.
The non-profit university offers a four-month pre-college or university preparatory programmes to pupils in Grade 9 and up.
All of their classes are online and conducted via Zoom. They guide and apply on behalf of participants to the right college and university.
Their placement co-ordinatory Wilco van Eeden said: “We apply on your behalf to TVET colleges and universities that you may qualify for and assist students in applying for financial aid through NSFAS to help cover the costs of your tertiary education.”
Space is limited due to available funding.
CAD (Computers and Development) Skills Training Centre has partnered with Sanzaf to offer office admin courses and ensure qualified applicants have the necessary skills and paperwork to be employed.
Sanzaf will be having this career expo in other areas later this year. For more information contact their head office on 021 447 0297 or their Mitchell’s Plain office, at Masjidul Mieftaag, corner AZ Berman Drive and Marguerite Way in Lentegeur, on 021 376 6438.