Expanding Horizons (ExpHor) is a non-profit company established in July 2019 by young ambitious teachers who aims to expand the horizons of South African youth, especially the ones coming from disadvantaged communities. They do this by exposing the youth to countless opportunities available around here and abroad so that they dream bigger. The mediums chosen through which they will achieve this vision are extracurricular and co-curricular programs and activities.
On 13 September 2019, the organisation hosted a historic event, “Career ExpHor”, at Nageng Primary School. The organisation coordinated the Grade 7’s Career ExpHor for two neighbouring schools in Vosloorus (Mthimkhulu Primary and Nageng Primary).
Grade 7s from both primary schools were gathered dressed as professionals working in their desired future careers. Expanding Horizons took initiative and invited 26 giant companies and industry leaders such as Smollan Group, Clinix Health Group, Eskom, ABSA, Virgin Active, Old Mutual, SAPS, CPF, Department of water and sanitation, Ekurhuleni Environmental Health, CODENgwana, Aviation Development in Africa, Corner Bookshop, SOTHAR Pictures, Cricket SA, ETS Africa, Ubuntu-Botho, eNCA, Peermont Group, Forward HR Solutions, SA Civil Aviation Authority, Department of Education and Mme Ranaka who gave a motivational talk for the Grade 7s.
The programme was led by enthusiastic Ms Hjordis Martins (ExpHor Board Secretary and Wits final year student). Sinoyolo Dikana (ExpHor Director/ Mthimkhulu Primary educator) explained the purpose of the event and said, “We want to have a practical approach to this event so that learners can have an authentic exploration of their desired future careers because we support Gauteng education MEC with his vision for launching Schools of Specialisation across the province.”
Learners got an opportunity to explore various career fields and observe practical demonstrations by experts such as Chef Thabitha, who demonstrated her cooking skills and getting learners involved in the kitchen. Mr Siya Dikana of Embellish Music brought studio equipment and practically demonstrated music production. Mr Muzi Vilakazi (Generations actor) brought expertise on what it takes to excel in front of the camera. Kevin Baloyi an innovative educator at King David Primary, presented about modern and digital ways of teaching inspired by 4IR. Mr NZB Majola, the television producer and director of Raw Silk and Bone of my Bones, shared his camera, lights and action skills. Aviation Development in Africa and SA Civil Aviation Authority presented about exciting journeys within the aircraft industry. Ms Nolu Mpekelana who has been recently recognised as being amongst women leading the charge in the 4IR introduced coding to the learners. Ms Tumi Sekhukhune who is Cricket SA player, Ms Nwabisa Mankayi, an eNCA journalist and news anchor, Thabiso Moloi, a technician at Eskom also came to present to the learners while Smollan Group showed the all learners with gift packs which included sanitary towels, drinks, cereals and chocolates.Mr Bethuel Malebe (ExpHor Director and Teacher at Nageng Primary) elaborates, “It is our role as youth to expose learners to various opportunities in order to find their talent and passion.” Mr Kgothatso Madibana (ExpHor Director and teacher at Nageng Primary) was overwhelmed with joy saying, “Expanding Horizons is an inspiration to everyone and we are agents of change.” Ms Phuti Mashamaite (ExpHor Director and teacher at Nageng Primary) said, “We need stakeholders for strong partnership in order to fulfil our mission.”
You may keep in touch with us through email. info@exphor.co.za or ultimately follow us on social media: Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram @exphorSA; Facebook ExpHor and, www.exphor.co.za.