Young men seize the day with 'Men in the Making'

Tracker’s ambitious second annual ‘Men in the Making’ campaign was officially held today (March 25, 2010) and is proving to be a resounding success, with companies from around South Africa taking part.

Top organisations and household names such as SA Express, PriceWaterHouseCoopers, Rand Merchant Bank, FNB, WesBank and Sasol opened their doors to groups of high school learners, primarily from disadvantaged communities, and provided them with not only a ‘real life’ glimpse into the working world, but exposed them to mentoring, career guidance and support opportunities as well.

“We are extremely thankful to the many companies around the country who have again supported this worthy initiative,” says Koos Radebe, Tracker’s CSI and Communications Director. “Importantly, all the companies involved fully embraced the idea behind Men in the Making, creating programmes for the day which not only offer these youngsters insights into a number of different industries and careers, but also serves to inspire and entertain them.”

Fully endorsed by the Department of Basic Education, Men in the Making challenges South Africa’s adolescent boys to improve their school performance and to set themselves positive personal goals by physically exposing them to the many rewarding career opportunities available to them in South Africa.

South African companies open their doors

A group of aspiring pilots and youngsters keen on a career in the airline industry spent an exciting day at SA Express where they were addressed by both senior and cadet pilots, taken on actual flights and were even exposed to the thrill of flying in a flight simulator. The young men were also given a glimpse into the administrative side of SA Express and spent time with senior management as well as managers from the financial, technical, flight operations and commercial departments.

Tracker hosted a group of 30 youngsters from Magielesburg at their head-office campus in Cresta, Johannesburg. They spoke to the boys about the importance of courage and self-belief, encouraging them to believe that a successful future is within their grasp. Continuing along the theme of personal empowerment, the boys were put through a career guidance workshop conducted by Monash University which was followed by a motivational talk and an address by Tracker’s Chief Executive, Alan Hutcheson. The boys were then taken on a tour of Tracker’s various departments and were even taught the ‘Diski Dance’ ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Dance commentry was provided by leading South African commentator and colourful sports personality, Baba Mthethwa.

Metro FM also hosted 30 youngsters at the SABC, exposing them to a wide variety of careers within the exciting world of broadcasting.

“Men in the Making is about introducing youngsters to the many career opportunities available to them,” explains Radebe. “But it is also about inspiring them, and letting them know that they do have control over their futures – teaching them about good personal habits which eventually translate into success.”

Launched last year, Men in the Making is an annual event which aims to help teenagers (between Grades 9 and 12 specifically) understand the value of their education, challenging them to overcome their obstacles and work towards becoming productive adult citizens of our country. Moving forward, the event will always take place on the last Thursday in March.

An ongoing initiative

“To ensure the healthy development of South Africa’s adolescent boys, we need to ensure that they are not left out of the equation and are given the guidance and support that they so desperately need,” says Radebe. Tracker has encouraged all participating companies to extend and enrich their individual programmes to provide these youngsters with ongoing support and mentoring throughout the year.

“Young men often turn to the fantasy world of video games, Internet, movies and pop culture icons looking for role models – and often these sources promote inappropriate ideals. Sometimes it’s even worse and the youngsters begin to see criminals in their community as role models. Men in the Making introduces South Africa’s boys to role models of substance, real people and organisations that can make a positive impact in their lives. Often a small gesture, as simple as a visit to a company, can spark a burning ambition in a young person. We want these young men to yearn for a better future. This is so much more than just a career day,” concludes Radebe.

Tracker would like to thank all the many companies for getting involved, the various schools and teachers that have participated, as well as Metro FM, the Department of Basic Education, and all the learners and parents who have embraced Men in the Making.