The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES), in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality, hosted a four-day Grade 9 Expo on UKZN’s Edgewood campus.
The Expo highlighted the importance of equipping learners early on in their academic careers with both educational and insightful information regarding career and academic options.
More than 700 learners with their teachers from schools all over greater Durban attended.
Senior Education Specialist from the Department of Education Mr Vassan Singh welcomed everyone to the event and urged them to be open-minded and engage in the presentations and exhibitions.
‘We are very happy with the turn out and that such events are possible,’ said Singh. ‘With such events that seek to interact and provide learners with important information about their career choices, I hope that learners all take the opportunity to listen carefully and ask questions.’
The programme included a talk from an eThekwini Municipality representative and presentations from various representatives of universities, private colleges and TVETs. The programme also included a science show presented by Dr Tanja Reinhardt and Mr Bheki Mthembu, who both wowed the learners with their fascinating scientific displays. The programme closed with a tour of the various companies and education institutions present.
Junior Environmental Officer at eThekwini Municipality, Ms Asphile Mahlangu, said she found the event very informative and of great importance in shaping the future academic and career choices of the learners.
‘The event was informative and encouraged learners to be open about their subject choices and the tertiary institutions they were keen to attend to further their studies,’ said Mahlangu.
A teacher from the Masibambane Secondary School, Mr Mbonginkosi Mkhize, was grateful their students could attend such an event which assisted them in understanding the different career options available, especially in science, maths and engineering.
Grade 9 learner from Wentworth High School, Ms Melissa Graham, found the event an eye-opener in terms of subject choices.
Words: Zolile Duma
Photographs: Bheki Mthembu
