More than 400 Free State learners are confirmed to attend the official kick-off of the 2022 Food For Mzansi AgriCareers roadshow. Powered by Laeveld Agrochem, the popular high schools’ programme is set to reach 20 000 learners from across the country.
The AgriCareers project, now in its third year, introduces learners to the great diversity of study and career opportunities in the agriculture sector. This, as the National Development Plan identified agriculture as instrumental in creating future jobs while the country grapples with mass youth unemployment.
This year, the project is presented in partnership with Standard Bank, King Price Agriculture and Sansor. Learners will also have direct access to key education partners AGRICOLLEGES international, Stellenbosch University, University of the Free State and Peritum Agri Institute.
“We’re slightly nervous, but helluva excited,” says Ivor Price, Food For Mzansi’s co-founder and editor-in-chief.
“In 2021, the entire project went digital because of Covid-19 restrictions. But we’re back with a bang and it’s safe to say that AgriCareers is bigger, bolder and better.”
In previous years, the AgriCareers roadshow was held over the course of just one month. To reach more schools, it is now spread over a seven-month period beginning at TRIO High School in Kroonstad on Wednesday, 16 March 2022. Learners also have year-round access to the AgriCareers platform with updated study tips and career information.
Fun-filled programme
“It’s quite symbolic that we’re again kicking off in the Free State after the Covid-19 hiatus,” says Dawn Noemdoe, manager: audience and engagement at Food For Mzansi. “Our very first event in 2000 was held in Phuthaditjaba, just three hours from Kroonstad. It’s humbling to see how much AgriCareers has grown.”
According to Noemdoe, learners and teachers attending the Kroonstad event can look forward to a fun-filled programme. Not only will they meet a new generation of Mzansi farmers, but also role players who hold a diverse range of professional jobs in agriculture.
Food For Mzansi co-founder Kobus Louwrens says the publication is set on showing learners that agriculture is about more than just farming. “So, they’ll get to meet people like Shireen Moodley, a senior agribusiness analyst at Standard Bank, and Dr Adré Minnaar-Ontong who heads up the plant sciences department at the University of the Free State.”
Noemdoe adds, “Between the inspiration, laughs and even dancing, learners will have a rare opportunity to look educational institutions in the eye and ask them all their questions. From Monika Basson from Stellenbosch University to Laurika du Bois from AGRICOLLEGES international and Odette Shepperson from Peritum, they’ll discover the many different avenues to, eventually, land a good job in agriculture.”
Upcoming AgriCareers events
- Western Cape: Tue. 19 April 2022 | Charlie Hofmeyr High School, Ceres
- Northern Cape: Thu. 21 April 2022 | Douglas High School, Douglas
- Gauteng: Fri. 3 June 2022 | Katlehong Technical High School, Katlehong
- Eastern Cape: Thu. 14 July 2022 | Hoërskool Die Brandwag, Uitenhage
- North West: Fri. 15 July 2022 | Wagpos High School, Brits
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mon. 12 September 2022 | Cedara College of Agriculture, Pietermartizburg
- Mpumalanga: Wed. 14 September 2022 | Morgenzon Landbou Akademie, Ermelo
- Limpopo: Fri. 16 September 2022 | Merensky High School, Tzaneen
Free State-based high schools who still wish to register for the Kroonstad career day, must do so before Monday, 14 March at 16:00. Email info@foodformzansi.co.za or WhatsApp the Food For Mzansi hotline on 071 147 0388. These contact details can also be used to register for the upcoming AgriCareers events.
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