By ophaniel.gooding
A kaleidoscope of colors was seen at the Young Sportsmen Club (YSC) in Freetown’s Wilkinson Road as parents and children gathered in a jubilant display of excitement for the first-ever Kiddies Career Fair on Thursday 9 February 2023.
Ariana Oluwole, the founder of the Narnia Educational Group, a haven of holistic learning and child nurturing, was the mastermind behind this event.
The fair was filled with the sweet melody of laughter and joy as children explored the boundless opportunities that the event had to offer.
The theme, “Celebrating the Genius in Every Child,” was a nod to the limitless potential of every young mind and a celebration of the undying spirit of childhood.
Ariana’s passion for education and her unwavering commitment to nation-building and development are what drive Narnia Educational Group, founded in 2013. This magical kingdom of learning has opened its doors to countless children, providing them with the tools and support to thrive and reach their full potential.
“The idea is to let the community and the world know that every child has a genius potential in them and every child has the capacity to become the very best at any career any job that they deem fit,” explained Ariana in an interview. This fair, which was organized in conjunction with over 20 schools, was the first time that the program was taken outside of the Narnia Educational Group center.
The fair featured vendors and collaborators from various career fields, including artists, musicians, and innovators in the food industry, to expose children to the possibilities of different careers. Additionally, Yak Jones was present with a mobile library, as the organizers believe reading, researching, and asking questions are foundational learning principles.
Ariana said that her passion for education and people began early in her life when she discovered her love for working with children, despite the pressure to go into the medical field. She emphasized the importance of being resilient, open to feedback, and not taking no for an answer as key tools for success.
“The essence is to keep this conversation going,” explained Ariana regarding the impact of the event on children’s future careers. The fair aimed to work closely with schools and the relevant government ministries to provide career counseling at a primary school level and to include it as part of the curriculum.
Although it is too early to measure the success of the event, Ariana said that she was encouraged by the high level of participation and the interesting careers that were represented at the fair, including a makeup artist. The Kiddies Career Fair was a step towards inspiring young people to become their best and to change the narrative around careers and jobs.
The fair was a testament to the power of collaboration, with the gracious support of Robbin Michael, Young Sportsmen Club, African Young Voices, Eminence Africa, and Ariana Diaries.
