Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, Jabulani Mabuza, commended 40 high school learners for their participation in a two-week job shadowing programme aimed at promoting careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The students, comprising 30 girls and 10 boys from 27 high schools, were attached to various companies for a practical experience in their chosen fields.
In a ceremony held earlier today, Minister Mabuza personally handed certificates of achievement to the learners, applauding them for their wise career choices and their willingness to explore opportunities in STEM. He emphasized that the STEM career field is often overlooked by many learners and urged them to be proud of their decision to pursue these disciplines.
“Let me congratulate the students for making a good decision concerning their career choices by choosing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) career field, a field that most learners shun away from,” Minister Mabuza said. “It takes courage and determination to shape your future towards your desired goals irrespective of your background. Everyone has the potential to attain his/her aspirations in life provided you make the right choices in life.”
Minister Mabuza encouraged the learners to consider the broader impact of their education and future careers. He emphasized the growing need for innovative solutions across various fields and highlighted the opportunity for them to serve both the country and the corporate world through their chosen paths.
“To the students, as you pursue your academic career, bear in mind that the world is looking for solutions in various fields and this is an opportunity to be of service to the country and the corporate world,” he said. “However, this does not come easy. You need to have good morals, stay focused, and prioritize education first before other things around you.”
The job shadowing programme provided the learners with firsthand exposure to the daily operations and challenges faced by different companies in the energy and natural resources sectors. Participating organizations included the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation, Ubombo Sugar Limited, Total Energies, Eswatini National Petroleum Company, Engen-Eswatini, Eswatini Water Services Corporation, Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA), and Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC).
Through this experience, the learners gained valuable insights into the practical applications of their studies, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their future academic and career paths. The programme also served as an opportunity for the learners to network with professionals in their respective fields, fostering mentorship and guidance.
The initiative by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy and the participating companies aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience. By providing high school learners with hands-on exposure to STEM careers, the programme seeks to inspire and equip them for success in their chosen fields.
As the job shadowing programme concludes, the hope is that these young learners will continue to pursue their passion for STEM, contributing to Eswatini’s future development and innovation. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of promoting and supporting STEM education, encouraging more students to explore these fields and contribute to the country’s growth.
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