an entrepreneurial mindset towards our careers

Just having a long debate with myself how we have been conditioned to choose careers based on money. How we have been mislead as a black community to think that there are lots of opportunities that await us in the fields of science, technology and engineering. I am saying black because I had never seen a white engineer unemployed yet I have seen a lot of black engineers with no jobs.
I came to a. simple conclusion that kids should be encouraged to do what they love instead of boxing them. If we box our kidsto go into careers just to chase money we will continue as a black community to have graduates that are unemployed. We will be a country that lacks passion it the very same reason why we have incompetent public servants because they had been boxed where they are just for the sake of earning money. I wish young people can begin to realise that there is so much more to life. Money should be what we reap from what we enjoy.

 

Until we are healed from the "Pay Check Syndrome"  We will easily find our purpose. Life's satisfaction comes with finding the true meaning of our being. Until our kids (blacks) are empowered and educated to make money work for them rather than them working for money, we will be in a community of independent and innovative entrepreneurs. It's about time we end the 'YES BAAS' cycle. It's the only way forward.I have a huge issue with people who study to get a job. We need to use education as a tool to acquire knowledge and not as a weapon that tires us to work for some1 else. I had never seen someone failing doing what they love. We need to start applying a more entrepreneurial mindsets when it comes to our careers

 

 

Steve Biko once said  "the most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed".  Our leaders and government are directly affected by this statement and it's up us to take control of our life as n of those that come after us.

Mentoring as a tool to promote gender equality in South Africa

Young girls in South Africa are faced with social and personal problems. Often peer pressure forces them to make bad career choices. Teen pregnancy still remains a concern in South Africa. Education is central to the development of young people as it prepares them for the world of work and for life.

In South Africa we are currently faced with a high rate of students who drop out during their 1st year of study and a large number of students enrolled at Universities do not get to complete their degrees within the given time frame. Social and personal problems faced by young girls hinder their success.

Mentoring is consistently cited as a constructive program for assisting young people in growing up to become successful and happy adults. Girls need positive female role models, woman who have overcome obstacles to become successful. They need woman whom they can look up to and possibly change or challenge their perceptions when it comes to education.

A woman’s character is seen or known through her conversations. The type of conversations we engage in determine our attitude. Attitude is what determines our destiny. Attitude is the most important asset that we possess as human beings. With the right attitude you can teach a person anything and they will be able to learn.

Girls need to be encouraged to take up careers in field that were previously perceived as male industries or jobs such Science, Technology and Engineering in order to promote gender equality. It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child hence I believe that South African woman should strive to excel in all fields in order to better set an example for our young girls.

We cannot expect the government to stop or reduce teenage pregnancy and all other issues faced by young people. We should be the change we want to see in the world and grab each opportunity available to influence the lives of young woman in South Africa.

 

 

How to become an effective mentor?

Successful mentors know that by being consistent, reliable and making and keeping promises, they build trust with their mentoring partner – the first step in the mentoring relationship.

By reaching out and being available, asking the right questions at the right time and engaging in honest conversations with your mentee, you create a safe environment for your mentee to test assumptions and beliefs about life outside the walls of the classroom.

Here are some tips for building a good relationship with your mentee.

1. Share your own personal stories and experiences.

There is enormous value and learning attached to storytelling and the sharing of experiences. Consider sharing what has worked for you as opposed to telling your mentee what to do. It is just as important to share what didn’t work for you, too. Our stories often provide clarity and make it easier for young people to make decisions.

2. Explore your communication and learning styles.

If you knew that your your mentee had a natural tendency to learn best by reading and you were a visual learner, would you relate differently to your mentee? Communication and learning styles can be one of the biggest stumbling blocks inside a mentoring relationship. By having a pulse on your mentoring partner’s style and reaffirming your own, you can be much more effective working towards your goals and building your relationship.

3. Ask your partner questions that affirm how much you care.

By asking your mentee the right questions, you validate and affirm his/her concerns. You show your mentee that you understand and you help him/her gain insight into a problem.

4. Do not be afraid to say that you don’t know.

If you do not have the answer to a question your mentee has asked or lack the expertise, be up front with her about it. You will gain credibility with your mentee by being honest. If you don’t have someone within your immediate network who can help, consider making some inquiries to see if someone you know might be able to connect you with someone that can help. This is a great way for mentors to build and increase their own networks.

5. Reflect upon your conversations with your match.

Discuss your observations after spending time together. To make this a meaningful experience for both of you and to give the relationship some direction, consider some of these questions:

 

What are the goals of this young person? How will I help her achieve them? Will give him/her something to read or review? Is there some research that I should suggest that he/she do? Are there colleagues or friends that your mentee could connect with to get the information that he/she needs?

 

What are my goals? Can this be a win/win relationship? What am I gaining from this relationship? If my goal is to become a better listener and leader, how will I know if I am making progress?

 

What are the specific ways that I can be of assistance to the young person I am mentoring?