Career Guidance Sessions in Arusha
“It enlightened me and made it easier for me to decide my future as the future is not predicted, the future is made.”
“I became confident about what I want to do and she suggested ways that I could actually achieve my goals.”
“One to one session was really helpful. I was able to discuss my career choices and got very good suggestions. Thankyou AFED for organizing this”.
These were some comments by the participants of the career guidance sessions held in Arusha from 7th February to 9th February 2020.
Figuring out what to do after finishing one’s secondary education is a confusion most students face. It can be a very daunting time with students going through a plethora of questions. What is the right career? What career has high employability? What if I disappoint my family in my choice?
Career guidance and counseling programs thus aim to help students make more informed decisions pertaining to their career path. It helps organize their thoughts and ideas. A career assessment helps students to match their interests and abilities to the available career options.
One of the focus areas of the AF Education Board for the term 2019 -2022 is to support all community students to make their career choices effectively and plan their careers keeping in mind the new trends. From 7th February to 9th February 2020, AF Education Board in collaboration with Arusha Jamaat organized a career guidance program that was facilitated by Mrs. Sajida Master – a certified career guidance counselor and accredited SII practitioner.
The program included an interactive session with parents and the students, Strong Interest Inventory Assessment – a psychometric test – and one to one career guidance sessions for the students who completed the Strong Interest Inventory. Strong Interest Inventory outlines the strengths and weaknesses of students and highlights their aptitudes and interests. AF Education Board provides the Strong Interest Inventory free of charge to all community students.
A total of 30 tests were conducted for students of Arusha and Tanga Jamaat studying in year 10 to year 13 who are to make their career choice.
It was commendable to note that:
- Most of the students had an idea of what they want their future to look like, keeping in mind their values and religious practices.
- Parents wanting to be the guide to their children and let them choose their own career path.
- Parents were enthusiastic to pursue further education for themselves.
Challenges observed included:
- Students who are totally confused about their paths looking for a quick solution and a defined career from the counsellor.
- Students are perplexed whether to pursue A-levels or foundation courses that are available.
- Overly involved, though well-meaning, parents who want their children to either pursue career of their choice or conventional careers like Medicine, engineering, law etc.
- Parents finding it difficult to let go and want their children pursuing careers available locally.
- Financial constraints that does not allow students to think of Higher Education in different destination.
This program was very fruitful and similar future interactions were greatly encouraged.
Some comments received from the parents:
“It was an eye opener for me as a parent”.
“Each child must go through these sessions. Really helpful.”
“My confidence level has gone up and the fear has gone. My thinking is now very clear as how to help my child”.
The board urges community students of different Jamaats to partake in the assessment to make their journey in choosing a career path clearer. AF Education Board plans to conduct such programs in all Jamaats in the coming year. Watch this place for more information shortly.
Arusha Jamaat & AF Education Board would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the career counselor Mrs. Sajida Master for her excellent sessions and the wonderful dedication and commitment.
Moreover, thank you to all the volunteers for their tireless efforts in ensuring the success of the program.
AF Education Board would also like to thank The World Federation for sponsoring the Strong Interest Inventory tests (SII).
For more information on career counselling or SII tests feel free to contact us on education@africafederation.org
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION EDUCATION BOARD