Every IkamvaYouth programme is aimed at ensuring that every Ikamvanite ‘becomes something’ through education. It is so humbling and encouraging to realise that our sponsors are prepared to give more than just financial assistance for the best of Ikamvanites. African Bank staff has demonstrated genuine commitment and interest to mentor 6 of our Ebony Park grade 12s.
The mentoring programme provides Ikamvanites in grade 12 with the opportunity to get one-on-one support from individuals who are in tertiary, or have been through tertiary. Such support includes ensuring the Ikamvanite accesses post school opportunities as well as inspiration and motivation. The Mentor’s personal experience through tertiary education provides valuable inspiration for the township learner to realise the possibilities of success through hard work, and how education can emancipate them from poverty.
the_joy_of_mentoring_ikamvanites.pdf
The Mentors from African Bank met their Mentees for the first time on Saturday the 4th of August, and spent an hour getting to know each other, as well as signing the mentorship agreement. The mentors and mentees chose to sit in the sun, in a relaxed but confidential setting. The immediate proof of the effectiveness of the mentorship programme was that one of the Mentors offered to pay for her Mentee to apply at Tshwane Universty of Technology (TUT). The Mentors and the Mentees agreed to give the best to the relationship. The Mentors marvelled at how positive all the mentees were about the mentorship programme. The Mentors made a commitment to bring more of their colleagues to become mentors.
While African Bank is funding our Ivory Park branch, which will only have the first group of grade 12s next year, the Mentors are so committed that they did not mind mentoring at a branch that their company is not funding. So, it is giving more than just financial support. They are giving to a good cause. Many thanks to Devendri Pillay (African Bank representative) and her colleagues for stepping in to avail the much needed mentoring service to the learners!
Lloyd Lungu