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Gr 12 learners empowered and inspired at annual BWA workshop

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Gr 12 learners empowered and inspired at annual BWA workshop by Eastern Cape – MyPR:

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From the left are Abongile Mnyungule, Taniel Drake, Saskia Koopman, Francesca Bruinders and Andrina Titus. Photo: Gerdie de Lange

“Spread your wings and fly,” was the theme and overriding message for the group of 100 matric girls invited to attend the eighth annual Port Elizabeth Businesswomen’s Association (BWA) Grade 12 Workshop, held at Linkside High School on Friday 22 April 2016.

ONE OF THE BWA’s KEY INITIATIVES
This is one of the BWA’s key initiatives since 2009, reaching out to young girls preparing for their future after school. This will put them in a better position to contribute to the mainstream economy.

TOP SPEAKERS ADDRESS TEN SCHOOLS
The inspiring and informative workshop, presented to learners from 10 schools in the city, covered motivational topics such as “Be a warrior and not a worrier,” presented by Nozibele Qamngana (external relations manager at Ubuntu Education Fund) to making an impact during the recruitment process by Zena King (King Recruitment) and the pitfalls in the social media minefield by Liesl Fourie (lawyer, NMMU).

Other speakers included Bernadette Nel-Naudé (Atlas Security) who shared personal safety tips, Lutho Msutu (NMMU student) who motivated them to “getting their wings to work” and Phumeza Kota-Nyati (Learner Recruitment and Support Manager – Human Capital Solutions, Coega Development Corporation) addressed the ladies on “The you, you want to be.” Phumeza is a counselling psychologist who shared tips on choosing a career that is right for the individual.

INSPIRED TO LEAVE A LEGACY
BWA chairperson Michelle Brown urged the girls to follow the organisation’s philosophy by passing on their newfound knowledge. “At BWA we strive to lead the way for younger generations of businesswomen to develop, be empowered and inspired so that they, in turn, can leave a legacy for others to follow,” she said.

This year, participating schools included Cillie, Linkside, Walmer, Booysens Park, Ethembeni Enrichment Centre, Alexander Road, Otto du Plessis, Andrew Rabie, Tamsanqa High School and the Ubuntu Education Fund.

Attendees at the generously sponsored workshop each received a goody bag of gifts, a comprehensive manual of the morning’s presentations as well as enjoying a light lunch.

STUDENTS FACILITATE NETWORKING
Students from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s voluntary leadership programme, Beyond the Classroom (BTC), helped bridge the generations and facilitated networking and discussion amongst the girls from different schools and backgrounds.

“As they are young women too, and have walked in the same shoes, it is the ideal association,” Michelle said.

The key sponsors at the 2016 event were Global Load Control, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, GDL Photography and NMMU.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH
What stood out for you today?
Grade 12 learner, Tabisile Magula (Ethembeni Enrichment Centre):
“I learned to be comfortable with myself. I am now a colourful individual.”

Grade 12 learner, Amara Brown (Linkside High School):
“To understand the future and to prioritise. Aim high to achieve what you want to do in life.”

Speaker and NMMU student, Lutho Msutu:
“Always have a hunger to do more… Remember you are getting your wings to work and to see how far they can take you.”

NMMU student, Thando Mkhombo:
“There is power in knowing your potential.”

Teacher, Betsie Janse van Rensburg (Cillié High School):
“Paint yourself/personality a million different colours. Learners again realised, everything that happens to you, defines the person you will become one day. “

Did you find the workshop to be a useful tool – assisting Grade 12 girls with their future plans?
Speaker, Nozibele Qamngana (External Relations Manager at Ubuntu Education Fund):
“It is so helpful that I wish I had something similar when I was growing up. There is so much pressure bestowed upon these girls as the next generation of leaders – especially women. They need an environment where they will know it is going to be okay.”

Speaker and NMMU student, Lutho Msutu (NMMU):
“Yes, very much so! It teaches them knowledge and insight beyond the classroom.”

Teacher, Betsie Janse van Rensburg (Cillié High School):
“Definitely! Topics were carefully chosen to suit the needs of learners. Throughout the last couple of years, our learners really made use of all the tips and tools they gathered at these workshops.”

How will this workshop help you with your future decisions?
Grade 12 learner, Amara Brown (Linkside High School):
“It has already helped me. I’ve learned that I need to focus on my goals and work towards achieving them.”

Grade 12 learner, Tabisile Magula (Ethembeni Enrichment Centre):
“Now I know what to do with my dreams. I have my plan and I’m ready to move forward. A very valuable experience indeed.”

Grade 12 learner, Cheyenne Parker (Alexander Road High School):
“It has helped me to realise that you can continue learning and improving on your life skills, as you grow older. There is really no limit on anything.”

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From the left are Nomathamsanqa GE, Abegail Prince and Marang Gaborone. Photo: Gerdie de Lange

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From the left areTwylah Niekerk, Henley Atties, Maryna Tiervlei and Caitlen Leander. Photo: Gerdie de Lange

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