Tuesday,
Centurion – Today marked the successful relaunch of the "Take A Girl Child to Work Day" as the newly inclusive "Take A Child to Work Day" (TACTWD), hosted by Cell C in partnership with the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ). This event was held at Olivenhoutbosch Secondary School in Centurion, where 350 enthusiastic Grade 11 learners were welcomed to participate in a day filled with inspiration, learning, and career exploration.
Joshua Moela, Managing Executive for Government Relations at Cell C, emphasised the importance of inclusivity in career empowerment initiatives, stating, "Cell C is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and TACTWD reflects that and the belief that every child, regardless of gender, should have the opportunity to explore and aspire towards their future careers."
"We have deliberately taken an inclusive approach by evolving this initiative to be about both the girl and boy child as we found over the years that it had become important to not create a gap but treat girls and boys as necessary allies in their development, and not leave the boy child behind," he concluded.
Judge Ms MD Lenyai, representing the South African Judiciary, delivered a powerful message on the occasion. She remarked, "By opening this initiative to both boys and girls, we are not only promoting gender equality but also ensuring that every child has the chance to embark on a journey of professional discovery. Our aim is to inspire the leaders of tomorrow by providing them with the exposure and experiences necessary to make informed career choices."
The new initiative is a significant enhancement of the original program, expanding its reach and impact. By including both boys and girls, TACTWD now stands as a beacon of gender empowerment and equality. The program offers Grade 10 to 12 students the unique opportunity to spend a day in a professional workplace. This exposure to a diverse range of career options available in the corporate world provides learners with invaluable insights that can help them make informed decisions about their future career paths.
The event garnered positive feedback from both the participants and their guardians, highlighting the program's impact on the students' perspectives and aspirations.
Forward-looking
The success of today's event sets a promising precedent for future iterations of TACTWD. Plans are already underway to expand the program further, ensuring more students across the country can benefit from this empowering initiative.