Johannesburg, June 11- A learner’s subject choice is one of the factors that have significant implications in terms of career choice and a successful future career. One of the first considerations is realistic, guided and informed subject choice to be implemented in grade grades 10 to 12, based on information and learnings in grades seven to nine.
In grade nine, one of the five topics discussed in Life Orientation (LO) is Career Guidance, which is placed under World of Work. Out of the 70 hours per year allocated to LO, only 11 hours are for World of Work, compared to 35 given to Physical Education (PT). The other three topics in LO are I) Development of the self in society- 10 hrs, ii) Health, social and environmental responsibility- 7hrs and iii) constitutional rights and responsibilities – 7hrs.
The 11 hours is further divided, leaving career and subject choices with only three hours a year.
Looking at the amount of time allocated to career guidance, one would wonder how much of these few hours are actually honoured. Do children and teachers attach any level of seriousness to the subject that is so critical to a future career?
If wrong subject choices are made, it likely leads to incorrect career choices, leading to a waste of resources.
One might say that many institutions of higher learning and other non-government institutions offer services of career guidance but the question remains whether poor children in rural areas can access these services. The fact is current school goers in disadvantaged areas find it difficult to access career expos.
Some of the information is accessible through internet whereas disadvantaged children lack connectivity and tools to connect.
We call for more time in the classroom to be allocated to career guidance and organisers of career expos to think of a way to take the services to these disadvantaged children living in remote areas of South Africa, to better equip these children to make wise choices of careers they want to pursue.
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About SOS Children’s Villages South Africa
SOS Children’s Villages is an independent, non-governmental organisation that advocates for the rights of South Africa’s most marginalised children. We offer loving, family-like care for children and young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. Established in 1984, SOS has eight Children’s Villages and three Social Centres across eight provinces.
Each year our Alternative Care, Family Strengthening and Youth Employability programmes provide life-changing support to children and families across the country.
The Alternative Care model comprises of four principles that include a mother (each child has a caring parent), brothers and sisters (the family ties grow naturally), a house (a secure place to grow up in) and a village (the SOS family is part of the community).
Our Family Strengthening Programme aims to enable children who are at risk of losing the care of their families to grow within a safe family environment. We work in co-operation with local authorities and other service providers to empower families and communities to effectively protect and care for their children.
Issued by:
SOS Children’s Villages South Africa
