Special wish wall for Nelson Mandela at African Education Week and Career Indaba in Sandton

President Mandela has always had a special place in his heart for children.

A wall where expo visitors can write a personal message to former President Nelson Mandela has been constructed at the African Education Week and Career Indaba that is starting at the Sandton Convention Centre tomorrow.  Dr Mamphela Ramphele, leader of Agang SA, will deliver the keynote address during the opening session on Thursday morning, 20 June at 09h00.

More than 7000 teachers and learners are expected at the seventh annual African Education Week and Career Indaba which end on Saturday 22 June.  The events form the largest meeting and trading platform of its kind on the continent for everyone who is passionate about improving the standard of education in Africa.  The conference will focus on topics such as STEM* education, improving FET colleges and the role of social media and technology in the classroom.  The events also offer teachers free, practical courses to improve their classroom and technical skills and learners can attend talks on career choices and how to find a job after matric.*STEM=Science, technology, engineering, mathematicsHappy birthday MadibaThe special wish wall for Mr Mandela is a large 2 x 4m stretched canvas, with the heading: “To Nelson Mandela:  Thank you Madiba” and will be displayed on the expo floor of the Career Indaba, which more than 5000 learners and students are expected to visit this week from Thursday.  All visitors are welcome to write a message to the former South African president and human rights legend.  Says programme director Claire O’Connell:  “everyone knows that former President Mandela has always had a special place in his heart for children.  Even before Mr Mandela was admitted to hospital, we were going to have a wall so that everyone could wish him a happy 95th birthday on 18 July.  Now that Mr Mandela is unwell, we have even more reason to show that we are all thinking of him and send him positive messages of support and to get well soon.”After the events, the canvas will be taken down and sent to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.  Entrance to the Career Indaba expo is also free and offers talks on job interviews and CV writing, celebrity appearances and much more.  All grade 11 and 12 learners, university and college students and their parents are welcome at Career Indaba.  Information on a variety of career paths is available such as the entertainment industry, theatre, fashion, printing, travel, the wine and hospitality sector and management accounting. African Education Week & Career Indaba expo times:Thursday, 20 June 2013:  09h00-18h30Friday, 21 June 2013:  09h00-17h00Saturday, 22 June 2013:  09h00-17h00Websites: www.educationweek.co.za; www.careerindaba.co.zaMedia contact:Annemarie RoodbolTelephone: 021 7003558  Mobile:  082 5627844Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.