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News > ODU Events > Young OD information evening

Young OD information evening

The Mitre kicked off the first of many upcoming events in the form of the young OD information evening on Thursday 12 September.
16 Sep 2019
ODU Events
Mnotho Makhoba (2013S) addressing the young ODs.
Mnotho Makhoba (2013S) addressing the young ODs.
The Mitre kicked off the first of many upcoming events in the form of the young OD information evening on Thursday 12 September.  

Going forward, the Union wants to create an environment in the Mitre which is welcoming to all and one which encourages OD participation.

This was highlighted by our chairman Adam Pike (1992O), who commenced the evening by welcoming all in attendance and explaining the Union’s mission and vision going forward.

This was followed by Paul Johnstone (1972G) who spoke about the mentorship programme. This program, which is easily accessible here, aims to match those young men who have just left the college with experienced ODs around the world.

The idea is if a young OD has an interest in sports management, the mentorship portal will match this OD with another who is involved within that specific sports management industry. The mentor is there to give advice and be a calming voice during a daunting period in a young man’s life.

Blake Gowar (2005F) spoke of his positive experience with the programme and encouraged ODs to not be afraid to get involved.

A new initiative was introduced by vice-chairman Anton Taylor (2005B), called the Class Champion. The goal behind this initiative is to grow the OD network by identifying year representatives with a degree of influence, in order to inform ODs of any and new developments.

By increasing the OD network we hope to increase OD participation. The Mitre is an exceptional building and so many of the uses were introduced to all the young ODs. Going forward the mitre is always open to anyone who wishes to host workshops, team building events, reunions, study sessions with fibre internet connection or even just to come in for a morning coffee with Dr Murray.

Mnotho Makhoba (2013S) introduced the bursary-buddy initiative, which looks at boys with backgrounds that are completely different from the traditional ‘Bishops boy’. The idea is to provide access to support, that will assist them with navigating through an environment that is culturally and social different to what they are familiar with.

“It is not a program where we will poach an individual and put you in the program with no guidance. It is about individuals who realize the benefits of the old boy Union, who can approach the Union in a way which is comfortable to them and then we are able to provide the necessary support for these boys. Through this, we hope the boys can go through the programme, through high school, through university, while being supported throughout the process and then hopefully landing their first good job,” says Mnotho.

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