On the weekend of the 19th of May, Grade 11 and 12 learners attended the Open Day at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). They went to the different faculties, accompanied by their dedicated volunteers. The learners discovered various career choices which many had never heard of and found to be of interest. The experience was both eye opening and exciting for the Nyanganites.
Noluvuyo, a Grade 12 learner said, “The trip was amazing; I now know what I’d like to do next year and I’m so excited that I meet the minimum requirements for the course”. The learners were impressed by the good organisation of the Open Day, and appreciated getting access to information on the different courses offered by CPUT. They also got application forms for study next year. Nandipha, another Grade 12 learner said, “I learnt that I must not choose a career because it is paying more but rather first look at my personality and see whether I’ll be happy with my choice in the near future”. “The exhibitors were very helpful and explained each course thoroughly” added Nomathamsanqa, a Grade 12 learner from Mandela High School. The future is definitely bright for the Ikamvanites, as they have been motivated once again, to achieve excellent results and so meet the requirements to get into university.
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“These trips made realise how broad the study of nature is”
Afika Mabali, Grade 9
Makhaza has the incredible fortune of having some amazing workshop partners who take our learners all over the province. One such person is Dr. Carl Palmer who throughout his long history in association with Makhaza opened up spaces on various trips around the province, along with students from the ACCESS (Applied Centre for Climatic &Earth Systems Science) programmes.
Two trips this term saw 10 students make their way to the Fossil Park near Langebaan, a place of well-preserved remains of fossil fauna that date to circa 5.2 million years ago and include bones of over 200 different animal species. This trip was a time for our leaner representatives to bond, Luxhase, our Grade 8 rep said “I really enjoyed myself. It was so much fun, I didn’t know much about the history of Fossil Park but trust me now I can tell a lot about it. I am still surprised about the existence of bones on earth. I wouldn’t mind to going there again!”, while Siphokazi, one of Grade 9 reps said “I was so excited about the trip, the most fascinating part for me was the existence of bones for so many years. I cannot believe it, 5 million years ago but we can still see them and identify what they are! Another thing I enjoyed was the beach, even though the winter has started in Cape Town, I never get a chance to go to the beach. Thank You Carl!!”
The second trip was for 10 of the best attending and most improved grade 8 & 9s who met bright and early at the cable car for a long walk up Table Mountain. Phiwe Maliti one of the grade 8 learner said, “The Table mountain trip was fun, I climbed the mountain for the first time in my entire life. Even though it was hard to climb I eventually reached the top! “
Noluntu Marenene said, “I enjoyed the climbing of the mountain. I learnt that when you climb the mountain, the body temperature increases. Also I didn’t know that there are animals that live in Table Mountain such as snakes. The most exciting part was finally reaching the top, it was a great accomplishment. I would love to go there again. Thanks so much!!”
Big Thanks to Dr Carl Palmer and the ACCESS program for their continued support for our Makhaza branch
25 learners and volunteers from Nyanga joined the branch co-ordinator and branch assistant for a memorable Strategic Planning Weekend. The SPW is a pivotal event for every IY branch as some of the branch’s volunteers and learners come together with the staff to map the way forward for the year. This year’s SPW was attended by 25 learners and volunteers and the branch co-ordinator and assistant. We were also fortunate to be joined by the WC regional co-ordinator Liesel Bakker and IY Director, Joy Olivier for our SPW.
Bomi Popi, one of the Nyanga volunteers said, ‘I’m looking forward to mapping the way forward for Nyanga, and measuring our progress next time we have such a meeting’
The weekend also provided an opportunity to the learners, tutors and staff to get to know each other better and Xola Booi, a Grade 12 learner representative said, ‘we are here to work together as learner s and tutors and share positive ideas’.
For the full branch report, please click on the following link:nyanga_spw_2012.pdf
About 40 Grade 10 learners from both the Ebony Park and Ivory Park branches in Gauteng attended the Hip2b2 Innovation Challenge Introduction Event. The focus of the event was to spark the interest of learners in Maths and Science and they were told that their innovation could win them the ” SA Young Innovator of the year award.”
Maths, Science and Technology related topics where presented to the learners in a fun, interesting and relevant way. It was a fun-filled afternoon event with activites, team challenges and videos introducing learners to the world of innovation, science and engineering. Learners were given guidance on how maths and science lay foundations or building blocks for careers in the fields of innovation, technology, healthcare, safety and transport.
HIP2B² has partnered with 3M, a diversified technology company serving customers and communities with innovative products and services and industry leaders in innovative solutions for everyday life, and our learners got to see how exciting maths and science can be.
Our learners are geared up and ready to show the world how they can contribute to their communities positively.
On Saturday the 12th of May, 25 Grade 12 learners were at the IkamvaYouth Ebony Park centre by 6:30am ready to attend the much awaited University Open Days. The Universities that had Open Days included Wits University, University of Johannesburg and Tshwane University of Technology. The learners arrived at the different Universities by 7:30 am and began to tour the University grounds and also began to interact with other learners from the universities as well as other High Schools. They toured around the different faculties and with the assistance of our very commited volunteers, the learners began to make some serious decisions about what they wanted to study in tertiary and see what they already qualified for with their current marks.
The Ikamvanites enjoyed the whole experience and said that it gave them a chance to interact with people from all over the country and also get a perspective of what university life is like from the university students. Dikamatso, an Ikamvanite from Tsosolotso High School said that it was a great motivator to see what they saw and experience all they experienced. The end result of the day was that the Ikamvanites decided to continue to take their future into their own hands by collecting the application forms and bursary applications. The Matriculants all understand that by failing to prepare they are already preparing themselves to fail, therefore preparation is very essential.
We look forward to succcessful Grade 12’s this year and the IY team would like to continue to thank the loyal volunteers who have committed themselves to helping all our learners.
Lloyd Lungu