My story goes like this
By Nadira Maharaj
I have been a learner in the 1980s, and in that era there was certainly no career pathing or assistance for people of my colour to get into good jobs or careers.
Having excelled in sports at provincial level and having had a good pass in matric I was compelled to take up teaching as a profession. I sucessfully completed my studies after 3 years and got into brass tacks.
From 1986 I have been always persistent that matric learners be given guidance on how to choose wisely.
After marrying I had to move
After marrying I had to move to the rural area of Kwazulu Natal, and I made this type of guidance my priority.
Being a disadvantaged person with many financial difficulties, I continued to study and I am currently completing my Doctorate in Educational Psychology.
I have voluntarily assisted my community by gettting into the social forum. I began to work giving grade 10, 11 & 12 learners motivation and career pathing choices since 2004.
I have managed to secure a very strong working relationship in my community, networking with community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations to give our learners maximum assistance to fulfill their needs and curiosity.
Now we can choose from many jobs
I have planned very successful career expos for secondary school learners, incorporating all universities, colleges and technikons that can guide our youth.
This is merely because now we can choose from many jobs, and not having sufficient information can hinder our progress.
I also do counselling for HIV/AIDS and general counselling for people in distress free of charge. I initiated the first Aids Council in Umkomaas, where learners used to form a committee to conscientise the public about the HIV/AIDS scourge right from 1999.
I think that this inspirational input to our society needs mileage.
Thank you.
Story submitted to SAinfo on 9 April 2008
