Enterprises University of Pretoria (Enterprises UP) recently hosted 13 girls from Phatheng Comprehensive School in Mamelodi at the Enterprise Building for the 2016 Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work campaign. The young learners were each assigned a mentor with whom they spent the day, learning about the different job descriptions and career options within Enterprises UP.
This campaign was launched in 2003, with the objective to expose young girls to the different career opportunities within different sectors of the job market. Over the years it has gained popularity and this year, Enterprises UP joined in on the initiative for the first time.
Speaking about the initiative, Human Resources Executive, Phumzile Nkosi expressed that it was a wonderful day with attendance numbers exceeding expectations. “The girls were warmly welcomed by our CEO, Deon Herbst and the executive management team, with various managers from different divisions mentoring them for a day,” she explained.
At the heart of the campaign is the drive to encourage young girls to realise their potential, through experiencing other successful women and also inspiring them to dream beyond gender-specific careers by exploring new and exciting career possibilities. “It’s a great opportunity for the girls to observe the workplace and to gain encouragement to dream! They were especially inspired by the success and achievements of Hermien Dorfling, Executive Manager: Training Solutions, as a woman holding a senior position within the company,” said Nkosi.
The students were further treated to a Tuks FM studio visit, where they had a chance to go on air and share their experiences of the day, as well as their future hopes for themselves in their careers. At the end of their visit, the girls received certificates of attendance from Enterprises UP CEO, Deon Herbst.
To view a video of the Phatheng Comprehensive School students broadcasting live on Tuks FM, click here.
