11th Careers Expo launched

Musa Zimunya

WINDHOEK, MAY 22 – A decade ago, a group of young professionals equipped with skills that were slowly going stale felt the need to pursue a purpose of fostering education, skills development, career mentorship and exposure to the Namibian learner. Through a journey of sacrifice, pain, joy and growth, this group became the founders of the Namibia Careers Expo.

Chairperson of Namibia Careers Expo Jason Kasuto was among that group of pioneers who made it their mission to make information available as it is “the key that unlocks the potential of young minds.”

Speaking at the launch of the 11th Namibia Careers Expo yesterday, Kasuto said, “We pursued to fill the void and bridge the bag thus giving birth to Namibia Careers Expo. As a not for profit initiative the Namibia Careers Expo has grown into the premier career exhibition in the country. The Careers Expo aims to expose, inspire and educate young learners and graduates on the vast amount of career paths and opportunities available for them.”

The Careers Expo brings together local and international exhibitors from various sectors with a common goal of providing valuable career related information, funding opportunities and mentorship to learners.

It cuts across various themes based on different professional sectors from finance, to legal, engineering, sciences, arts, fashion, tourism and other vocational streams.

“This year the speakers hall is proud to host both local and international speakers ranging from captains of industry, young professionals and our very own Miss Namibia. The speakers hall provides an opportunity for speakers to impart lessons of experience to the learners within their sector of expertise, work or vocation. Learners are able to interact with speakers and walk away with a grasp of what it takes to be want you want to be or at least start the process of figuring out what it is you want to be,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Expo has over years deepened its reach in addition to the Windhoek event, and for the past three years, a different town has had the opportunity to experience the Namibia Careers Expo.

“We have held the Expo in Walvis Bay, Ongwediva and this year the event will also be held Rundu on 6-7 June 2019. (It is ) Important to note that we have set our sights for the south of Namibia in next year’s roll out plan.
Our strategy in terms of broadening the reach of the Expo has seen that for each event without comprise we transport via bus learners from disadvantaged schools at no cost to the school or the learner.”

This year will see some 2 400 learners being transported via bus services to and from this venue.

A total of 30 exhibitors and over 3 500 learners are expected to feature during this year’s Expo at the Windhoek Country Club between 22 and 24 May. It is also expected that schools from outside of Windhoek attending include Okahandja Senior Secondary School, West Side High School (Swakopumnd), Swakopmund Secondary School, Dr Lemmer (Rehoboth), M&K Gertze High School (Rehoboth), Suiderlig High School (Keetmasnhoop), Karibib Private School.

In addition, Pepper, the first humanoid robot in South Africa launched by Nedbank will also grace the Careers Expo in Namibia.

Pepper poses with Minister of Basic Education Arts and Culture Katrina Hanse Himarwa During the launch of Namibia’s 11th Career Expo on 21 May 2019 at the Windhoek Country Club

“Pepper can be programmed to recognise principal human emotions, voice, chat with bank customers and answer questions. Pepper landed in Windhoek yesterday and has been doing the rounds in and around the City attracting a lot of curiosity and interaction with the public,” said Kasuto

He added that the Expo team will launch a mobile and web-enabled application during the event.

“I am also excited to announce that the Namibia Career Expo team will be launching a mobile and web-enabled application Gradesmatch Namibia. Gradesmatch aims to address what our research has shown that choosing careers and getting funding for institutions of higher learning can be a daunting experience, particularly for those who don’t have much support and guidance as well as those in remote areas like townships, rural areas and farms. The system is designed to primarily address the on-going challenges faced in the Namibian Education space, namely: the Digital divide – i.e. access to information pertaining to higher learning institutions, financial aid, mentorship and extra curriluar material all on an app. ” – musa@namibiadailynews.info