Sentech extends CSI with 'Take a Girl Child to Work Day' in Durban

As leaders in the ICT environment, Sentech will participate in the 'Take a Girl Child to Work Day' initiative on Thursday 25 May, to provide a platform for young women to get exposure to careers in telecommunications.

This is Sentech's third year of participation and the company has chosen to host Myeka High School, one of the company's corporate social investment schools, situated 80km west of Durban.

Sentech has invited 20 learners from grades 10 to 12 to work at the company's Durban regional office, where they will have the opportunity to participate and learn about different career opportunities.

In addition to the site visit, there will be discussions on learnership programmes presented by Sentech's senior IT trainer, Basil Moss, as well as career motivation from one of the company's female technicians. Human Resources Executive, Siphiwe Ndwalaza, will give the opening address live from Sentech's Honeydew office in Johannesburg.

On the day, Sentech will also host "Take a girl child to work " learners on behalf of ICASA at its network operations centre (NOC) and Sentech Technology Park in Johannesburg. The learners will be introduced to Sentech's business as an integral part of ICASA's regulatory domain.

"This is an ideal opportunity to encourage young women to consider careers in ICT and break some of the stereotypes associated with a traditionally male dominated industry and begin the process that will see more women at senior management and as significant contributors at board level," says Sebiletso Mokone-Matabane, CEO, Sentech.

An example of how women can embrace challenges in the ICT environment can be seen in projects like Myeka High School. The school is a living example of technology success in challenging conditions. A rural school with no electricity, running water or telephone lines, Myeka High school now has a fully equipped computer laboratory.

Sentech provided VSTAR Satellite technology and a server allowing the school to receive information on a scheduled basis via the Internet, which transfers educational material via satellite.

"Computer literacy forms the basis of Myeka High School's advanced learning programme, which grooms pupils for careers in fields such as technology, engineering, accounting etc. "We look forward to playing a major role in shaping the learners' future and skills that will contribute towards the socio-economic development of the communities," Mokone-Matabane concludes.