Hope School in Westcliff joined learners from eight other schools to prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the working world.
Hope School caters for physically disabled learners and has participated in the Disability Summit for the past nine years. This year’s ninth annual summit took place virtually, aiming to inspire, inform, motivate and educate learners about the working world.
Occupational therapist Pretty Mathebula who facilitated the expo at Hope School said, “Most learners think that after Grade 12 there is nothing for them. They need the boost and guidance to see a future for themselves and believe in themselves.”
The expo exposes learners to learnership, entrepreneurship and university opportunities, helps Grade 9 learners to choose their subjects and prepares learners for the world outside of school.
“The support that is offered for disabled learners at universities helps ease the anxiety that many learners feel and gives them the assurance that they will receive support along the way.”
Founder of the disability summit Paddy Slattery explained, “While the benefits of hiring persons with disabilities may be widely acknowledged, demystifying and highlighting the largely marginalised disability sector as well as the sourcing and accessing of relevant skills within this sector often continue to pose a challenge.”
CEO of Motswako Office Solutions, Sebenzile Matsebula addressed learners at the summit, sharing her experiences growing up as a disabled learner navigating a mainstream school.
“The family support I received gave me the impetus to be where I am in life. At school, children used to tease me because of my disability and my dad told me that I must beat them with my brain. I worked very hard and moved to become an A student and got all the awards, which changed students’ perception of me,” said Matsebula.
“In order to get ahead in life, you must go for what you want and don’t be disturbed by people around you.
“No one owes you any favours. Not government, parents or educators. You owe yourself a favour to be the best you can be. Take responsibility for your own life and develop yourself,” she added, having enjoyed a successful career in the presidency, travelled the world and become a CEO.
Grade 12 learner William Khumalo dreams of becoming the next Leonardo da Vinci. He has applied to study graphic design, visual arts and fashion design at the University of Johannesburg next year.
“This expo has shown me that there is nothing out of reach. Whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve it,” said Khumalo.
Another matric learner Katlego Legotlo, who has already started his own print design business, has applied to study business and economics at New York University.
“New York is the economic hub of the world. I dream of coming back to South Africa and starting my own business,” said Legotlo.
Related articles:
