You all know that HB is passionate about education and skills training – and our many awards showcase our commitment. We are currently supporting Zambian-student Gertrude, to complete her financial training. We do this through the reputable and impactful African Impact Foundation. Investing in education is a sustainable way for us to ‘give back’ and help people, and we’re pleased to extend to Africa just part of the training and support that we offer in Hertfordshire through apprenticeships, work experience and career guidance.
Life in Africa for trainee accountant, Gertrude
Gertrude is currently studying for a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance at Chalimbana University. Chalimbana University is located in Chongwe in Zambia. At the moment it is the rainy season although it doesn’t rain everyday, it is hot and cloudy.
The following is just a glimpse into Gertrude’s life that shows us how important her training is to support her and her community into the future.
Tell us about your studies – what are you learning about at the moment?
At the moment I am following six courses:
1. Principles of Economics
2. Cost and Management Accounting
3. Financial Reporting
4. Business Environment
5. Entrepreneurship and Innovation
6. Human Resource management
My favorite subjects are Cost and Management Accounting (BCA), Financial Accounting, Principles of Economics and Human Resource Management. The list is endless but it’s everything that has to do with Accounting and Finance. I participate in a club called The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants, Chalimbana University Chapter.
The courses for this academic year are challenging and require more work and dedication. l am doing my best to attain the best results.
We think that you study in a city away from your family. Is this correct? Do you see your family often or is travelling to meet them quite difficult?
Yes, l study in a city away from home. l see my family during the holidays but travelling to meet them is quite difficult in terms of transportation. Sometimes it takes days for them to arrange money for my transport to go meet them.
What can you tell us about life at university in Zambia?
Life at uni is exciting and at the same time challenging due to the fact that you are away from home and have to cook for yourself.
Would you describe something about how you live so we can picture what it is like.
For this academic term, l found a boarding house near the university. I live with 3 fellow female students. There are 3 bed spaces so each one of us has her own space.
The room is painted and tiled. We cook inside the room. I make a budget for at least 1½ months and I cook for myself.
Do you have any hobbies?
My hobbies are singing, writing and reading self improvement books.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is lending a hand to someone in need. Receiving gifts, reading, learning something new and being surrounded by the people l love.
How can you help?
We are repeating this message as it is so important.
We usually finish our blogs by asking how can we help you.
In honour of Apprenticeship week in February and all you’ve read about the simple way you too can support someone like Gertrude in Africa, we’re asking how can you help young people?
- Could you offer work experience to a year 12 – so many 16-17 year olds cannot find the week’s work experience that they need. It’s likely that your standard public liability insurance covers you for short term work experience placements for college and school students, something that is often seen as a barrier to offering this help.
- Could you offer a 1 day placement (that could look like 5 hours in your workplace
- WFH? Not a problem! We can organise a workspace for you
- Check out HB Accountants’ Student Experience in Workplace initiative – your support will make all the difference
- Could you offer a 45 day placement to a T-Level student or start an apprenticeship scheme?
- Could you sponsor a student in Africa?
- Could you attend a careers’ fair?
- Could you visit a school to talk about your personal experiences or what a day in your working life is like, offer interview experience, or mentor a student?
There are so many ways that we can help our young people to discover more about themselves and the opportunities that are on offer, and to give them a start with their career.
For more information about all the ways HB goes above and beyond for you, your company and our community, contact the team at HB Accountants. We’re here to help.
The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any error
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