In January, IkamvaYouth was excited to announce a pass rate of 84.7%, surpassing the national pass rate of 75.1%! In the midst of this excitement however, there’s always the anxiety around securing post-matric placements that will set these young superheroes on the path to earning a dignified living and lifting themselves, their families and their communities out of poverty. IkamvaYouth is proud to announce a placement rate of 81% for the class of 2017:
- 55% have secured post-school placements (44% are studying in tertiary, 6% are in learnerships/employment, and 6% are enrolled in short courses, higher certificates and related short term trainings)
- 31% are improving/upgrading their matric
- 19% are considered not in education, employment, or training (NEETs)
We are extremely proud of the increase in the number of Ikamvanites who accessed tertiary this year (206 compared to 139 from the 2016 cohort). The Ikamvanites enrolled in tertiary are studying at universities and universities of technology across the country, the majority pursuing Business, Administration, & Management (15%); Humanities & Social Sciences(13%); and Engineering studies (13%). Our Atlantis branch had its first cohort of matriculants in 2017. One of them, Iviwe Meyi (currently studying Occupational Therapy at UWC), had this to say:
“IkamvaYouth really assisted me in a big way! Firstly, I didn’t even know what I wanted to study, but my mentor from Green Cape assisted me in finding a career aligned not only to potential but also my interests and abilities. I didn’t even know what Occupational Therapy was, up until she shared information on it. When we attended Open days, I had the opportunity to do more research on admission requirements, funding options, and university life and it was an enlightening experience. Not only did IkamvaYouth assist me with tertiary applications but they assisted me with NBT tests and funding options and I am currently a beneficiary of NSFAS. The after-school classes assisted me in obtaining the 2nd position in the class’ top 10 at the end of the year and I am thankful for all the opportunities IY brought my way!”
As access to tertiary is not the only challenge learners are faced with upon passing matric, IkamvaYouth strives to ensure that Ikamvanites secure funding to cover their tuition as well as other study related costs. IkamvaYouth was excited at announcement made by the former president last year, that free tertiary education would be phased in this year. Of the Ikamvanites who accessed tertiary, 50% have secured funding, mostly through NSFAS (39%).
Even though tertiary education has become free, securing bursaries is still important, as many of these bursaries, such as the Moshal Scholarship Programme open up even more opportunities for students as they form supportive communities that ensure success in university. We are therefore are particularly proud of the following Ikamvanites who managed to secure bursaries/scholarships:
- Aviwe Zono from the Makhaza branch who received an Asset Bursary to study Public Administration at CPUT.
- Zandile Mkhize from the Chesterville branch who received a bursary from Boston College to study Media studies
- Siyabonga Mthethwa from Ebony Park who received a bursary from Gauteng City Region Academy to study Actuarial Sciences at Wits
- Florence Nyirenda from Masiphumelele who received a McKinnon bursary to study chemistry at UCT
- Yolanda Dube from Ebony Park who received a bursary from the Thuthuka Bursary fund to study Accounting at the University of Pretoria
- Likhanyo Rode from Makhaza who received a SASOL bursary to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch
- Three learners received university entrance bursaries from North-West University:
- Neelan Voorby from Mahikeng, who is studying Accounting
- Kgotso Moroenyane and Karabo Masilo from Ikageng are both studying Actuarial Sciences
- Seven learners managed to secure the prestigious Moshal Scholarship this year:
Thobani Khumalo from Chesterville, studying Accounting at UKZN
Ashleigh Mwendauya from Ebony Park, pursuing a general B.Sc degree at Stellenbosh
Boitumelo Lefophana, also from Ebony Park, studying Geological science at Wits
Siphelele Mzongwana from Kuyasa, studying medicine at Wits
Bongeka Sigoso from Makhaza, studying microbiology at the University of Free State
Andile Ndlovu from Umlazi studying Pharmacy at UKZN
Through their hard work and dedication, as well as the support of branch staff and volunteers, these learners are indeed taking the future into their own hands, and on their way to earning a dignified living. Thobani, one of the Moshal Scholarship recipients had this to say:
‘’I am currently studying B Com Accounting and would like to appreciate the founders of IkamvaYouth for changing the society for the better. I would also like to appreciate all IY KZN staff for motivating us and making it possible for us to maximize our academic potential. I would also like to thank Moshal Scholarship for partnering with IY, I do not think otherwise I would have gotten such an opportunity.’’
Congratulations to all the Ikamvanites on your journey so far, we can’t wait to witness all your awesome future achievements! A huge thank you to all the IkamvaYouth staff members and volunteers, who have invested significant time in ensuring the learners have mentors, attend career and university open days, and apply for placement opportunities. The unwavering support of our funders and all partners continues to make the journeys to dignified living for our learners is greatly appreciated. As more and more township learners access post-school opportunities, we are confident they are breaking the cycle of poverty in their families and communities one step at time
Lloyd Lungu