An enthusiastic group of eight grade 8 and 12 girls from a number of local schools were recently given a behind the scenes glimpse into a number of careers in healthcare when they got to spend the day at Netcare N17 Hospital in Springs as part of the 17th annual Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work initiative.
In welcoming the learners from Springs Girls High, M.O.M Seboni Secondary School, Erasmus Monareng Secondary School, Thuto Lesedi Secondary School and Kenneth Masekela Secondary School, Jaco Du Preez, general manager of Netcare N17 Hospital said that the hospital was committed to empowering young South Africans.
Pic: An enthusiastic group of eight grade 8 and 12 girls from a number of local schools were recently given a behind the scenes glimpse into a number of careers in healthcare when they got to spend the day at Netcare N17 Hospital in Springs as part of the 17th annual Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work initiative.
“At Netcare N17 Hospital we know that women are vibrant and dynamic contributors to the economy. We are fortunate in the health care environment to have females as the vast majority of our staff and thus we can relate completely to the empowerment and skills development of women.”
“A career in healthcare is immensely rewarding. Prospective candidates will find that all categories of healthcare skills are highly sought after. To consider a career in healthcare one should have a passion for people, a willingness to conquer daily challenges and the ability to show compassion to those in need. In order for one to pursue one’s dreams, one has to have love for what one is doing,” he added.
During the course of the day, the learners participated in a comprehensive programme which included various activities aimed at exposing them to the opportunities available within Netcare. The programme for the day included a tour through the various departments in the hospital including the pathology laboratory and the X-ray department. The learners also participated in an infection prevention and control discussion and were given a CPR demonstration by Netcare 911.
The informative and educational sessions were specially compiled to make the girls feel as much a part of the hospital as any employee.
According to Peter Warrener, human resources director of Netcare, the company has taken part in the initiative as part of its commitment to help shape a future for young South Africans one that is rooted in inclusivity, gender equality and empowerment. This year 26 Netcare sites, including hospitals, Netcare head office and the Netcare shared services centre, hosted girl learners.
Over the years of Netcare’s participation in this worthy initiative, it has given just on 3 800 girls exposure to different career opportunities in the private healthcare sector.
“This year, female senior managers and influencers within Netcare once again empowered young women with information and knowledge to assist them in building their own careers. In addition, we aimed to impress on them that they have the power to contribute towards social change, particularly when it comes to gender equality.”
“It is hoped that the learners will gain an understanding of the immense contribution they, as women, can make towards building a more inclusive economy,” Warrener concluded.
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Issued by: MNA on behalf of Netcare N17 Hospital
Contact: Martina Nicholson, Graeme Swinney, Meggan Saville or Estene Lotriet-Voster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]