By Bongani Nkonjwa
A Reflection from the Heart – by Bongani Nkonjwa
Growing up in the township and attending Emshukantambo Secondary School in Pimville, Soweto, I know how powerful career guidance programs can be. They shaped who we are today by opening our eyes to possibilities beyond our surroundings and giving us the space to dream.
That is why the Take a Learner to Work (TALTW) initiative is so meaningful to me. As part of our Khulani Schools Programme, it gives Grade 9 learners the chance to step into real workplaces, meet mentors, and explore careers they never knew existed.
For learners in the township, this initiative represents exposure, hope, and belief. It shows them that success is not just for others — it’s something they can achieve too. Watching their excitement as they connect what they learn in school to real-world opportunities reminds me why this work matters.
The Take a Learner to Work initiative is more than a career experience. It’s an invitation for young people to see themselves in spaces they have only dreamed of, and to start believing that they belong there.
A Growing Movement
After a successful pilot in 2024, we brought the initiative back this year — and once again, it proved to meet a dire need for career exposure among learners. Through this experience, we continued to bridge the gap between education and the world of work, helping learners see firsthand how their studies translate into professional possibilities.
In 2024, three schools participated:
- Eqinisweni Secondary School – 44 learners
- Willow Crescent Secondary School – 32 learners
- Siyabonga Secondary School – 32 learners
This year, 51 learners took part in the Take a Learner to Work initiative, each gaining firsthand exposure to new career paths and possibilities. Our goal is to reach even more learners in the future, ensuring that no dream feels out of reach.
Real Impact, Real Growth
The results speak for themselves.
- 95% of learners reported gaining a better understanding of different careers.
- 87% said the experience inspired them to explore new career paths.
- 96% felt more confident making decisions about their education and career planning.
When asked how the experience impacted them, learners said:
“It inspired me to do data analysis.”
“It made me think about different careers.”
“I’m more aware of how things can change, and I feel ready to embrace that change.”
Beyond career discovery, learners reflected on the soft skills they developed — communication, responsibility, adaptability, and the value of hard work. They didn’t just learn about jobs; they learned about themselves.
We’re deeply grateful to the companies that opened their doors and hearts to host learners this year over the three days:
First National Bank (FNB) – 15 learners, Microsoft – 16 learners, Nemisa – 13 learners, Chocolate Tribe – 8 learners, Toothworx – 3 learners, Multichoice – 7 learners over three days.
Your teams created a welcoming space for learners to ask questions, shadow professionals, and see the practical side of their studies come alive. Each company played a vital role in showing learners that the future is not defined by where you start, but by the opportunities you’re given to grow.
Looking Ahead – Join Us!
The success of Take a Learner to Work reminds us of the power of collaboration in shaping brighter futures. When schools, companies, and communities come together, learners don’t just imagine new possibilities — they begin to believe in them.
As we look ahead to the next edition of TALTW, we’re calling on companies across all industries to join us. Together, we can give more young people the opportunity to see, learn, and dream beyond their current realities.
If your organization is passionate about youth development and would like to participate in the next Take a Learner to Work initiative, contact us at: Trevor Noah Foundation’s Khulani Schools Programme Career Expo 2026.
Let’s keep opening doors. The future is waiting.
About the Author: For the second consecutive year, Program Assistant Bongani Nkonjwa has championed the Take a Learner to Work initiative at the Trevor Noah Foundation. His passion lies in connecting learners with professionals who can help shape their dreams and show them that their goals are within reach.
