Stakeholders advise students to nurture career choices for growth
By Joyce Elagboji Agbo, Abuja
Children in Nasarawa state, North central Nigeria, have been advised to nurture their career choices in order to be successful in their preferred fields.
In New Karu Local Government Area of the state, students of Our Lady of Fatima Private School marked the day by displays of the several professions and presenting a series of professional activities.
Tagged “Discovering and developing your career at an early age”, the event featured performances from children from various chosen careers.
In her welcome address, the head teacher and host of the event, Reverend Sister Confidence Bengir, said the event was aimed at paying attention to the children’s talents, interests and career choices which are also important in molding the character of children.
“Career day is good for elementary kids because it shows them at an early age the purposefulness of learning. As we celebrate our Annual Career Day, this is not just a day to dress up in different costumes depicting the various careers but the goal is to begin the process of getting the pupils to develop and discover their potentials into a lifelong career because every child has his/her own special gifts and talents that God has already created in them.”
Many of them don’t know what they want to be in future and so organizing an event like this will bring out the talent in them. A career simply means what one does for a living also known as a profession. Every career requires learning, consistency, patience and mentorship. This is very important as you progress,” she said.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. D Damulak, advised the students to be dedicated and determined because every chosen career needs progression and growth.
“We have certain skills, talents that can be shaped and nurtured. When you choose a career and it is not nurtured, others will overtake and so there is need to nurture it and develop it to grow.”
Mr. Damulak advised parents to desist from imposing vocations or career for their children, rushing their children by influencing unmerited promotions and comparing their wards with others.
“This acts turns out to frustrate the children. Instead, parents should encourage and explore ways to promote their children’s area of interest. That way, the children become more fulfilled and their careers developed,” he explained.
While giving a closing remark, the PTA Chairman of the school, Barrister Dominic Ochenehi, expressed satisfaction on the theme of the day and called on all in attendance to help their children and any other child develop their skills and talents in the best ways they can.
Career day is celebrated once a year across schools in Nigeria, to encourage school children on their choices of career and sensitize the younger generation on the need to promote and understand the importance of choosing the right career paths.