Duinesig career week set to ready pupils for labour market

The Duinesig High School Career Week will take place from 6 to 9 May at Walvis Bay under the theme ‘A Purpose-Driven by Life.’

The annual event aims to give pupils relevant career information, bridging the gap between education and the evolving world of work.

During the launch, event coordinator Paulina Shiyova said the annual programme is a crucial platform for pupils to explore various career options.

“Through direct contact with professionals working in different institutions, students are informed about the industries and make the right career choices,” she added.

The programme benefits not only Duinesig pupils but also filters through other Walvis Bay schools, including Kuisebmund Secondary School, Tutaleni High School, Flamingo High School and Narraville Primary School.

Shiyova said the programme has made remarkable achievements since its launch, as six pupils graduating and are now studying medicine at the University of Namibia (Unam) Hage Geingob Campus in Windhoek.

In 2023, the school ranked sixth countrywide in the NSSCAS rankings, with one student, Jovita Shaduka, ranking among the top 20 in the country. Shaduka is now continuing with her studies in engineering at Unam’s Jose Eduardo dos Santos Campus at Ongwediva.

Duinesig was also awarded the best-performing school in the Erongo region at the 2023 Erongo Regional Awards.

Shiyova says this year, pupils have more opportunities for interactions with over 30 invited institutions, including universities, training centers and businesses.

First-year university students and recent high school graduates will also share their experiences, showing the pupils a real taste of tertiary education and the labour market.

Shiyova says Duinesig aligns its career guidance into market demands by consulting with education stakeholders and industry experts, and by undertaking continuous research into Namibia’s labour market trends.

Organising such a high-profile event has its challenges, including a lack of sponsorship and difficulties in making arrangements for exhibitors’ transport.

“We urge sponsors to fund this program since it plays a key role in shaping the future of our students,” Shiyova appeals.

Another challenge is reaching out to institutions: some are unable to attend due to logistics, while others can only manage a day or two. The school continues working on having more institutions on board, particularly those of interest to the pupils.

Shiyova urges pupils to stay curious, ask relevant questions, and engage fully with the experts.

“They should take advantage of the mentorship, attend seminar workshops and engage with professional individuals to gain a broader perspective of career opportunities,” she recommends.

Many former pupils credit career week with their career path.

Paulus Haipinge, a 2024 graduate, describes how the week led him to choose a career in medical laboratory sciences at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (Nust).

“Talking to a Nust representative opened my eyes to more career opportunities and helped me choose a field of study that is in line with my interests,” he adds.

Maria Ashipala, another 2024 graduate, originally wanted a lucrative job but discovered the value of passion in choosing a career.

“I had wanted to pursue electrical engineering at Nust but did not make it. But the career week taught me that I do not have to stop there, and now I am taking a course related to that,” she states.

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