…airline charges students, parents on discipline, responsibility
Posted by Sade Williams
African carrier, South African Airways ( SAA) has held its maiden edition of Career Day in Lagos, stressing the need for Nigerian youths to be guided on the right path in all areas, especially when choosing a career
Speaking at the event in Lagos on Thursday, Country managet of the airline, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, said the population of youth in Africa far outweighs that of adult, adding that there is need for parents, guardians and tearchers alike to deliberately mould their characters positively.
Students from more than five schools, including public and private schools were hosted by the airline.
According to her , ‘SAA understands the impact of the youth getting it right, we have to pay attention to the youth’.
Speakers cutting across various fields in aviation such as Flight dispatch, Air Traffic Control, aircraft pilot, travel consultants gave talks as the students listen with admiration and rapt attention.
Speaking further, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, explained that the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” originates from an African prover, adding that it conveys the message that it takes many people to provide a safe, healthy environment for our children
While concentrating on the students, she also appreciated their parents, teachers, Guardians and everyone who have contributed immensely to developing the young people, saying without these children, the world would be devoid of happiness, laughter, and love.
“Children, today we celebrate you, we value your essence and contribution to our society at large. At SAA, we promise to carry you along in our journey to sustainability. Part of our effort in empowering our children is the SAA Secondary School Essay competition and now the maiden edition of the SAA Aviation Career day for our children in Nigeria. In recent past, we have also worked with some Orphanage homes in Nigeria to provide a safe haven for our young children.
“Our goal is to encourage the children and young people to feel safe and understand their contribution towards a greater Africa. Our approach is targeted at improving the children’s access to resources and transform their consciousness through their beliefs, values, and attitudes. One of such access is this forum to showcase the career opportunities within our Industry. We have airline industry experts in our midst today ready to share experiences and mentor our young people.
“Today is Africa Day, We all have so much to learn about our beautiful continent. As an African carrier, our expansion strategy is currently focused on Africa and truly it is time for Africa.”, she said.
While charging the students to be responsible to their country and continent, she used the occasion to announce newly introduced additional routes such as Lilongwe, Blantyre, Victoria falls and Windhoek in Namibia, adding that SAA currently operates 3 flight a week on Sundays, Wednesdays and Friday out of the new terminal 2 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
“However, let us also remember the great responsibility upon us towards a greater Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Lastly to the adults: Our duty is to protect, guide and love them with all our might, for they are our greatest treasures.”, she added
