Inspiring Young Dreams: World Youth Skills Day Celebration
Our distinguished panel included Sekadi Payane, CEO of the South African Civil Engineering Society, Dr Chigorimbo-Tsikiwa, Infectious Diseases Research Group Leader at ICGEB (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology), Lerato Lentsoane, Head of Strategy in the Office of Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Karabo Tshabuse, Founder and Director of Tshabuse Attorneys, and Ms Marlene Moonsamy, a practising pharmacist. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and inspiring stories that captivated our young audience.
Ms Lentsoane's story was particularly moving as she shared her journey from being a young girl in Umtata to now advising the President and Deputy President. Her testimony powerfully demonstrated that no dream is too big and that greatness can emerge from the most humble beginnings and unassuming backgrounds. Similarly, Ms Payane amazed the audience by showing that a soft-spoken young woman could lead a built environment organisation and manage large-scale infrastructure projects. She spoke candidly about being one of only four girls in her civil engineering class and how she never allowed that minority status to deter her from pursuing her dreams.
Ms Tshabuse, who primarily represents soccer players, had the girls on their feet with exciting stories of young players from various soccer teams whose careers she has supported from a legal standpoint. Her dynamic presentation showcased how passion and profession can beautifully intersect.
Dr Chigorimbo-Tsikiwa and Ms Moonsamy rounded out the presentations by sharing their exciting journeys in the medical research and pharmaceutical sectors, once again showcasing the wonderful contributions of women in science. Their stories reinforced the message that STEM fields offer incredible opportunities for young women who dare to pursue them.
Finally, we would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the GP staff and DTPRG committee members for their unwavering commitment to nurturing our young girls' dreams and developing future leaders through their dedicated work. As the saying goes, "A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit" - through this World Youth Skills Day celebration, we plant trees for the confident, capable leaders our young girls will become.
