Varsity College Sandton empowers young girls

The institution welcomed 26 girls from Saint Ursula’s High School in Krugersdorp and two girls from Blue Eagle Secondary School in Cosmo City.

On behalf of the college, Oratile Matlapeng, public relations and events co-ordinator, said the Take a Girl Child to Work Day initiative had enjoyed 13 years of unrivalled success as a platform to address the needs and aspirations of female South African pupils from Grade 10 to 12. This gave the pupils the opportunity to visit a place of work and to experience the various career opportunities available to them.

“The girls began their day with a meet and greet,” explained Matlapeng. He said the girls were introduced to student relations manager Vasanthee Govender, career centre co-ordinator Edith Chetty, sports co-ordinator Jolene Mortimor and the college’s student volunteer team VC Cares.

“After a warm welcome, [Govender] presented a talk on self-esteem providing the pupils with practical solutions to overcoming self-esteem challenges while imparting guidance on gaining self-confidence,” added Matlapeng.

He said Chetty presented the next talk on career information which would help prepare the girls post matric. The girls were informed on tips for preparing a curriculum vitae, assessments on personal talents and career guidance.

“The pupils really appreciated the talk as they are a year-and-a-half away from choosing what they want to study,” said Matlapeng.

The pupils also had the opportunity to meet the rest of the staff on campus and had the opportunity to job shadow five different departments, which included marketing, finance, the Business School, and student support.

“Only six percent of high school leavers with matric certificates can get a job, the rest have to study,” said the college’s senior deputy principal of marketing, Victor Menoita.

“Getting a good qualification at a school that can give you attention and help you with your personal career path is what a lot of young people need.”