Since its launch more than 600 000 girl learners have visited over 400 'places of work' as part of the campaign. Themed Choose your tomorrow, today this year, the project seeks to provide girls in Grades 10, 11 and 12 across the country with platforms to deepen their thinking and aspirations about their role in society and more importantly show them what opportunities are available in the workplace.
Hundreds of companies around South Africa have again registered to be part of the day and provide girl child learners with the opportunity to experience the world of work. This year, Cell C will host 60 learners, 20 of whom are from Eastbank High School in Alexandra north of Johannesburg. Cell C CEO Alan Knott-Craig will welcome the group and two girls will spend the entire day with him to get first-hand experience of what it takes to be the CEO of a major company.
"This is not only an important annual event for the company but also for the country and the hundreds of thousands of girl learners that have participated in this day over the past ten years," says Knott-Craig. "In my career I have been very fortunate to work with and for some of the greatest female minds in the country and they have inspired me tremendously. I am therefore grateful to have the opportunity today to give some advice to young girls and hopefully inspire them the way I was inspired in my career."
"On this 10th anniversary of the project, 400 companies have formally registered with us to host girl learners. About 50 000 girls are expected to visit companies, NGOs and Government departments throughout the country," says Mercia Maserumule, Cell C's corporate social investment manager.
"We challenge corporates in South Africa to continue to share their knowledge, job experience and ideas on career and job opportunities on an on-going basis to help us achieve our goal of encouraging young girls and women to be active in the country's economy," Maserumule concludes.
