Rotary Club of Arcadia took it upon itself to convene the annual ‘Cell C Take a Girl Child To a Work Day’. About 135 girls from John Bisseker Secondary School were given the opportunity to explore careers from 18 different workplaces in East London recently.
The ‘Take a Girl Child to Work Day’ is a campaign that targets girl learners from Grade 10 to Grade 12 with the aim of exposing them to the world of work and a range of opportunities in the public and business sector.
The learners could explore careers in legal advisory, catering, hospitality, travel, hair dressing and more. Medicross and Frere Hospital were among the workplaces that acted as hosts.
Convener Rotarian, Gwyn Bassingthwaighte said Rotary Arcadia used it’s contacts and organised businesses to open their doors last Thursday for the girls to shadow a career for a day so they get a better idea of the different opportunities out there once they leave school.
President of the Arcadia Rotary Club, Rommy Naudé said a lot of work was done behind the scenes before the day itself. Rotary managed all the liaison with Cell C and with the school on behalf of the various host companies.
This included administrative duties, printing of certificates, arranging volunteers to assist with the registration process on the day and coordinating transport.
“It was worth the while, the girls came back very enthusiastic after the experience. They learned a lot. All hosts were equally positive.”
“Many thanks to all the businesses and institutions who supported this campaign this year. Their ongoing support for this initiative will have an impact on so many girls,” she said.