It was a hive of activity with about 300 girls from Blue Eagle High – a container school in Cosmo City – during the, Girl You Can Do It discussion and fashion show.
The charity event was held on 22 October by the Johannesburg Dream Centre, a non-profit organisation (NPO), with the aim of helping girls reach their career goals and stay in schools.
It started with a panel discussion with women who had come from similar circumstances talking about the obstacles and challenges they faced in becoming engineers, chartered accountants, models and actuarial accountants. The pupils were also invited to ask questions about their dream careers.
One of the speakers, Isabella Makuta spoke about the importance of self-worth and of waiting before engaging in a sexual relationship. Life coach, Thato Choma answered questions about different career paths, lifestyle, as well as the inequality faced by women in the workplace.
The Dream Centre’s director, Alicia Swanepoel said they have found that many girls give up on their career goals due to the obstacles like poverty. “So we invited speakers chosen specially to motivate and inspire the girls to dream big and stay in school while following their career dreams.”
As the panel discussions were going on, about 17 girls who dreamed of being models had their make-up done to get ready for a fashion show during lunch. “The fashion show was amazing. It started with model and actress, Audrey Chabalala sharing her story of her struggles to make it in the industry and inspired the girls that they too can do it, no matter the obstacles,” she said.
One of the girls was awarded a photo shoot opportunity with 12 Photography and will be mentored by Chabalala.
“All of the girls got their own designer clothing from Micheal Maven and so the day ended with great joy,” said Swanepoel.
Some of the sponsors were Micheal Maven, 12 Photography, Hard Sound and Blue Eagle High.
Details: Johannesburg Dream Centre 081 402 8576.
