IkamvaYouth works with learners from grades 8 to 12 to help them improve their grades and access post-school opportunities. IkamvaYouth accepts learners based on their motivation to participate, as opposed to their academic results; most have averages below D when they join.
- Since 2004, 1478 committed learners (75% attendance and higher) have participated in IkamvaYouth programmes
- There are currently 5 Branches in 3 Provinces across SA with 492 learners (grade 8 –12) and 133 Grade12’s; growing to 15 branches, 5510 learners (grade 8-12) and 1045 Grade 12’s by 2016
- The average pass rate of township schools is less than 50%, yet IkamvaYouth has achieved between 87-100% matric pass rate since 2005
- Particularly significant is the quality of these passes which enable access to tertiary institutions: 64% of IkamvaYouth learners matriculating since 2005 have accessed tertiary institutions; nationally access for black youth is less than 10%
- Overall, 75% of learners have accessed tertiary education, a learnership or employment within 2.5 months of matriculating
- More than 50% of matriculating learners stay on to volunteer the next generation of learners each year.
Dr Van Der Berg's Development Policy Research Unit is conducting an evaluation (due May 2012) to identify:
- Retention and throughput at tertiary level
- Medium-term effect on household income following employment
IkamvaYouth's impact reaches beyond individual successful learners as a result of our democratic approach to leadership and developing civic awareness in the communities we work. At its core IkamvaYouth addresses the challenges of urban poverty and inequality perpetuated by South Africa's education crisis.
For reports on the organisation's annual impact and results, please refer to the Annual Reports.