The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) and BKS last year changed Cell C's national 'Take a girl-child to work' day to 'Take a Girl-child on site'. They took thirty girls from the Umqhele Comprehensive School in Ivory Park, Midrand to show them what civil engineering is all about. They visited the UNISA construction site with its wonderful view of the old UNISA building and the vista across Pretoria towards the Magaliesberg. Earlier in the day the girls were exposed to presentations on civil engineering and projects such as the soccer stadiums. Judging by the questions that followed the girls had gained real insight into civil engineering. This joint venture is a continuation of its launch in 2007 and we trust that the initiative will be adopted countrywide. The opportunity to inform learners on the exciting world of civil engineering has to be grabbed if we are serious about addressing the skills shortage and making a difference in future.
Photo - top, left: In pink, on the move and on site!
Photo - top, right: Structural engineer Kim McKenzie, explaining the project, and the girls in the site office at UNISA