After an intense 2 weeks of tutoring and workshops for almost 100 learners, Nyanga tutors spent a very well deserved afternoon at Ace’s in Khatyelitsha, for their tutor appreciation.
This year’s tutor appreciation was unique and extra special, since the majority of tutors who participated are Nyanga ex-learners from the classes of 2011, 12 and 13. As such, the tutor appreciation became something of a re-union for these Nyanganites who were once learners together, and are now paying it forward by tutoring younger ikamvanites during school and university holidays.
The superheroes chose the theme ‘Lets cool the sweat’ in recognition of the hard work they put in over the 10 days of Winter School during the July holidays.
One of the tutors had the following to say: ‘I really agree with the team when they say we’re cooling the sweat. We worked very hard those 10 days; running to Zolani Centre in the morning to catch the bus, intense tutor meetings with disagreements and livey debates and of course the tutoring everyday.’
Well done to our committed volunteers who made Winter School a success, and your appreciation event was well deserved!
Palm Stationery Manufactures Sponsors Makhaza with over 300 books
More than 10 Boxes full of books and stationery were delivered in Makhaza on Friday, 8 August 2014 by Palm Stationery. This donation was made to assist learners in keeping record of their studied material and to be able to evaluate their work.
Palm Stationery Manufactures are based in KwaZulu Natal, the company was established in August 1995. Palm Stationery Manufacturers have grown from a manufacturer of solely schoolbooks to manufacturers of an entire range of scholastic and office stationery products as well as polypropylene document filing solutions.
They have recognized the great impact that has been achieved by IY. Their amazing contribution will insure that learners have stationery supplies up until they close school for the year.
The great contribution was welcomed with such excitement by the learners as each one got a book, ruler, pencil and pen that they can always bring with them when to their tutoring sessions. The books will serve as study and revision notes for all learners for all the work they cover in tutoring sessions and practicing at home.
One grade 8 learner beaming with excitement said “These books have come at a right time as all my books are near full, I am thankful to the amazing people at Palm stationery”.
On behalf of IkamvaYouth and its learners, I would like to forward a huge thank you for your generous contribution in support of our mission.
Following the success of the matric camp in 2013, the WC team ran the second annual matric camp following directly on after the two weeks of winter school in July. This year saw 85 matrics from the Western Cape branches as well as from the Eastern Cape get together for a week getaway at the Rotary Glencairn camp site, for 5 days of intensive tutoring, academic workshops and exam practice.
The first day saw all the learners arriving at the site and participating energetic team-building exercises to help break the ice as learners started interacting more freely across the branches, working collectively to earn points for their various teams. True to ikamvanite culture, tutoring started in earnest from day one and the learners spent the rest of the afternoon working through past exam papers and Answer Series guides.
Throughout the camp learners have all managed to take part in a variety of activities aimed at preparing them for their final exams and tertiary studies. From intensive tutoring and exam practice to workshops around how to study effectively and evening self study times.
While the camp is a serious study boot camp, with tutoring happening from early in the morning until late into the night, the learners found the time to energise themselves through the terrible weather with an impromptu talent show where learners mixed things up between branches for an evening of singing, dancing, stand up comedy and drama. I’m convinced the next MC Solaar is in this group!
Sixolisiwe sibebosi , a volunteer said the following: ‘The matric camp was very productive to me. Firstly everything was well prepared, the kids were hungry to learn something and that gave me a lot of courage and it motivated me to make sure that I give all and make a change. IkamvaYouth changed my life and I also passed my matric because of IkamvaYouth and matric camp so it was a minor thing for me tor do, I wish I could do more.’
Bonke Sibunzana, a learner from Masi said the following, ‘what I liked about matric camp was how committed the tutors were. They encouraged us to use the tutoring time wisely. I also like how united we were as ikamvanites. We showed love and support for each other ‘, while Nobulali Swaartbooi from Nyanga said ‘Matric camp was a great experience. It was great learning with people from different schools and coming together with all our different ideas.’
This strongly echoes IY’s value of peer-to-peer sharing and IY is excited to witness the fruit of the Matric camp as the learners write their mock exams in September and final exams in November.
A very special thank you to Pick’n Pay Fish Hoek, for generously supplying camp catering, and ensuring that all our learners, volunteers and staff are well fed every day of the camp; Rotary for their beautiful camp sites and ERM for the donation of solar lamps for all our matric learners. This gives out learners going into their final exams the opportunity to study at home in the evenings, thanks ERM!
Good luck for the final exams IY 2014 Matric Class!
IkamvaYouth entering into a partnership with the WC Government and various others, which aims to help to improve after-school activities at MOD Centres. You can read more about these MOD Centres
here.
It is a big project that is looking to roll-out in January to 20 schools in the Western Cape.
The pilot phase that will take place between September and December 2014 and we need YOU to make it a success! Please see the
volunteer advert and share with all learners, tutors, friends etc. A small stipend will be offered to cover travel expenses but it is also an opportunity to develop your own skills, learn about community and youth work, and make an impact.
We are looking for high caliber candidates but there are no strict requirements for acceptance other than having a ‘good quality’ matric pass and being motivated and reliable. It is the willingness to get involved that we are looking for!
If you have any questions about the project please contact AVA.
My name is Sesethu Nika, doing my 1st year at UCT
I joined Ikamva Youth (Makhaza Branch) in the year 2012 while doing grade 11. A friend of mine brought Ikamva to my attention so I decided to apply. Luckily for me I got accepted. Joining Ikamva was the most helpful decision for my academic life.
Even though I was an average learner, I needed an environment that would allow me to reach my fullest potential and Ikamva Youth provided me with that platform. Not only did I get great assistance with my academics but I also got a chance to make new friends and meet phenomenal and inspirational people.
Attending the career exhibitions with my fellow Ikamvanites helped me a lot. I got to see what my strength and weaknesses are in order for me to choose the career path that was most suitable for me. I also got involved in the Ikamva Youth Debate Club which helped increase my confidence levels and public speaking skills. Ikamva prepared me for the big bad world.
With all of the assistance, positive energy, encouragement and inspiration from both tutors and learners, I was aspired to work harder and achieve my best. Because of my matric results I was accepted at UWC and UCT and decided to take the UCT offer.
I am currently a student at UCT doing a degree in BSocSci majoring in Environmental and Geographical Science as well as Public policy Administration. Life at university is not all roses. It is quite demanding and needs someone who is focused and knows what they want to achieve in life. Having independence is wonderful and helps one find their feet and be able to stand on their own. Unlike high school where one can depend on educators, university is a totally different story.
Getting to university is not a walk in the park and completing a degree is even more challenging. One has to know what they want in life, they has to be hungry for education. Having education is the sharpest weapon that one can use to fight against poverty, crime, unemployment, ignorance and all other forces that are preventing people from reaching success.
Like all Ikamvanites would say “Ikamva Lisezandleni Zethu”..
Lloyd Lungu