Some say that the beginning of the year is always daunting, whether you’re starting a new academic year, or even meeting new people. Well our matric class of 2015 begs to differ. Saturday, 24th January, our bright stars were at the branch bright and early, eagerly waiting to meet the people they aspire to be like one day, their mentors.
In asking one of the learners on their expectations of the day, Yamkela Fobosi said, “I am very excited to meet a person who has already accomplished the things I want to accomplish. I cannot wait for him to tell me all the things that I must do in order to achieve my dreams!”
Mentor Day kicked off with a welcoming from Zukile Keswa, the Branch Coordinator. In attendance were over 20 mentors, ranging from UCT students to working professionals. Tamara Stelma, the Mentorship Coordinator from UCT, introduced the programme to everyone and shared the schedule for the day. The mentors and mentees were paired according to the results of a questionnaire the mentees and mentors completed prior to the event. During the one on one session they signed a commitment agreement contract that stipulated the number of hours that they had to be in contact with each other. From the library, to the lab, to the office you could see the mentors and mentees engaged in conversation getting well acquainted and creating a timeline for the year. One mentor said that the day was productive and a great way of networking with other great minds (mentors) and is looking forward to the rest of the year, coaching and inspiring this exciting bunch.
The day concluded with a discussion with the Grade 12s led by Busiswa Dayimani, the Branch Assistant, on the prospects for the year. What is expected of them, what they should expect from the year and what steps to take from now onwards. “There is still quite a lot of work to be done but if we put in the necessary work we are destined for success…” Busi said to the learners as they attentively listened. Energies are high, expectations are high, and we cannot wait to see what this year holds for the matric class of 2015.
With this well integrated support structure, the sky is the limit for these young stars.
Lloyd Lungu