Former street kid organises career expo for local learners
Learners from local schools were invited to a career guidance event that was organised by Siphiwe Mngomezulu on October 4.
Revelation Church of God (RCG) in Katlehong was the venue for the ceremony.
Mngomezulu, a former street kid, said the purpose of the day was to educate the learners of the local schools.
“We have realised that education is important and is a key to everyone’s success but not everybody has access to it. We had to organise this event in partnership with different education institutions so that learners will know what is happening in the institutions of higher educations.
“In order to make this a success we had to partner with institutions like University of Johannesburg, Gauteng Region City Academy, Harambe Youth Work Accelerator, Rosebank College, Bernam College, Ekurhuleni West College, Wits, National Youth Development Agency, Richfield and Damelin,” said Mngomezulu.
Zolile Masinyane, the speaker from the East Rand mayor’s office, was also invited.
He explained what motivated him to come up with the idea.
“I am a former street kid myself. My mother died when I was young. I know how it is to be without support. If these young people are not supported in building their careers now they might lose life purpose and end up on the street. I am what I am today because someone came and rescued me from the streets of Johannesburg. In return I felt I must do the same for the local children,” said Mngomezulu.
Mngomezulu came up with the idea and shared it with Prophet Samuel Hadebe who is the founder of RCG.
“I chose to share the idea with Prophet Hadebe because my adopted mother is a member of the church.
“I go to the same church.
“After sharing the idea with Prophet Hadebe, he also told me about the revelation he had about the education of township children. We combined both ideas and as a result we came up with this,” Mngomezulu told Kathorus MAIL.
All institutions invited on the day were given 10 minutes to present the benefits of the courses they offer.
Learners were given the apportunity to go to their tables and talk about the courses. Those who wanted to apply were allowed to do so.
To make day the even more interesting, learners entertained guests with music, dance, poems and drama.
