Inspiring Futures: Discover Yourself Gap-Year Academy Visits GCRO

On 14 October 2025, the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) welcomed eight enthusiastic students from the Discover Yourself Gap-Year Academy for a dynamic four-hour engagement session with GCRO researchers.

Founded by Gail Motloung, the Academy offers a transformative six-month programme tailored for recent high school graduates navigating their gap year. Its mission is to empower young people to explore their passions, build essential life and leadership skills, and prepare for future academic, professional, and personal opportunities.

The GCRO visit formed part of the Academy’s broader initiative to introduce students to diverse career paths—this time, with a focus on research and data-driven fields. During the session, GCRO researchers shared insights into areas such as Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Public Health, Demography, Data Science, and research career pathways. Presentations highlighted both the academic routes and practical skills needed to thrive in these fields.

The students engaged actively, asking thoughtful questions, showing genuine curiosity, and reflecting a strong interest in the possibilities that research careers offer. The session not only broadened their understanding of the research landscape but also provided a valuable opportunity to connect with professionals and envision how their own interests might shape their future studies and careers.