As if to beautiful summarise a wonderful year of celebration, the STARS Foundation has announced the winners of their annual STARS Impact Awards for 2013. IkamvaYouth has won in the category of Education in Africa-Middle East and celebrates along with many other deserving winners.
Director, Joy Olivier and Gauteng District Coordinator, Zamo Shongwe are currently in London to and will receive the award at Kensington Palace on Saturday, 14th December 2013.
The STARS Foundation exist to provide innovative support to meaningful and effective organisations who serve children in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. We are happy to hear of their faith in IkamvaYouth and its ability to improve education for all.
*Image by Matthew Willman Photography
It is with great pride and thanksgiving that IkamvaYouth salutes late former president, Nelson Mandela.
We honour a formidable statesman who fought tirelessly for the freedom of our nation. He has left an impeccable example and we are privileged to have been graced by his presence and sacrifice.
IkamvaYouth shares Madiba’s heart for children and education and endeavour to implement the many values he left behind.
Here is what some of our staff had to say in reflection and remembrance:
It is due to Madiba’s vision for our country that we do the work we do, and indeed are even able to work together, side by side. We’re so fortunate to be living in this time. Our generation is doubly blessed: we have lived to see incredible changes in our country, and we have the opportunity to contribute towards realising the vision that sparked them. Equality between races, socio-economic transformation, justice and peace are the ultimate outcomes of vision 2030, and I feel so honored to be working towards these ideals with each of you.
– Joy Olivier, Director
As Ikamvanites, we agree with Madiba that ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’. We keep saying education is the passport out of poverty; the youth pulling themselves and each other out of poverty through education; and in our vision for 2030 we have declared a dignified living for all youths through education.
– Patrick Mashanda, Gauteng District Coordinator
It has been unbelievably sad…we knew this day would come. It’s been a highly emotional time of reflection for many people. It makes one evaluate his/her life; Mandela has been the epitome of service and humility; what most of us aspire to be but all we can ever hope to do is to try our best. Looking back at the choices one has made; I would say that working for IY is the right choice; a meaningful and worthy cause. Thank you to all who have made it possible. In his inaugural speech; May 1994; he said “We enter into a covenant that we shall build a society in which all South Africans; both black and white; will be able to walk tall; without any fear in their hearts; assured of their inalienable right to human dignity-a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world”. Joy how old were you then? Nine years after that speech you and Makhosi became a practical part of that covenant; setting in motion a process of acquiring dignity for all; through education…it may not be the easiest way of life; but we all know that it is the most rewarding.
– Monica Canca, Joza District Coordinator
Today we celebrate the life of our very own South African legend as delegates from all over the world and South Africans from all corners make their way to Soccer City despite the dull and rainy weather in Johannesburg for the State Memorial Service for Madiba. This world wide support encapsulates the very man that Tata was. We hope that we are reminded of the ideals that Tata stood for , that unity, peace and reconciliation will once again be a trademark for the South African people.
– Palese More, HR Coordinator
I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”
Nelson Mandela
1918 – 2013
On Friday, 29 November, the 2013 Prize giving was held at Desmond Tutu hall. Over 200 learners, tutors and parents were present to join the celebrations and be part of making a difference in these learners’ lives. The masters of ceremony were two vibrant grade 11s, Aviwe Apolosi and Sakhumzi Bhatala they kept the crowd entertained.
This is an event that allows the branch to celebrate the achievements of its learners and recognizing all the individuals that contributed to those achievements, namely the Tutors and Partners. They have committed the time and worked tirelessly with learners equipping them with knowledge and skills that they require to succeed in their studies and life. Certificates were awarded to learners, tutors and Partners. The categories were as follows: Academic Achiever, Most Improved, Certificate of Recognition, and Branchcomm Certificate. The learners also got a chance to vote for their peers that they felt were active and helpful to them during the course year. The categories for the certificates included Learner of the year, Outstanding Leadership and Most Committed Learner. Learners said words about their mentors that headed up workshops, praised them for the skills that they have acquired from their sessions and awarded certificates and thank you gifts for their efforts, partners including Numeric, Nazeema Isaacs Library amongst many were recognized. “I am now comfortable with using a computer and can even create games and write blogs easily thanks to Marion for her programming workshops” said Ndilisa May a grade 11 learner.
Learners also got a chance to show their talents, performing their poems and show casing their dance moves to a cheerful crowd.
The event was a huge success as everyone came out to support and contribute to the day’s events. Cheers to 2013………….
On the 27th of November, IkamvaYouth Ebony park branch, together with ABI, hosted a Learner Appreciation Day acknowledging Ikamvanites for the outstanding commitment they have shown in 2013. ABI provided drinks for the event to spice up the year-end celebrations.
The day started well with IkamvaYouth staff thanking learners for being part of the IkamvaYouth Family, for showing commitment, and this has resulted in great improvements in their studies. Ikamvanites came in numbers to collectively celebrate the day. The IkamvaYouth team took an opportunity issuing out certificates to learners based on best platinum attendance, most improved learner and most committed learner. A total number of 15 grade 11 learners received certificates of appreciation with some getting more than one for their improvement and commitment to their studies and towards IkamvaYouth.
Excited after grabbing four certificates, grade 11 learner Phillip Mollo had this to say; “I cannot believe I got so many certificates! I did not anticipate getting more than one but with the hard work I put in my school work and commitment to IkamvaYouth, then there’s no reason for me to think that I don’t deserve so many. I always treasure the opportunity that IkamvaYouth gives to learners”. More learners like Phillip appreciated IkamvaYouth saying they value what the organisation does for them.
The day went on with learners taking photos, playing games, exchanging gifts and enjoying each other’s company also encouraging each other to cherish the opportunity they have with IkamvaYouth and to invite thier brothers and sisters to join IkamvaYouth.
Once again, IkamvaYouth is, and always will be breaking the cycle of poverty in the townships through education.
As we bid farewell to the year which marks a decade of progressive services at IkamvaYouth, we would like to share snippets from our wonderful ten year celebration party with you.
The event was held on 3 October 2013 at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, Western Cape and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Keynote speaker, Minister Trevor Manuel, who described the past ten years as a decade of fighting for change shared his thoughts with much delight – you can now access a behind the scenes interview to hear what he had to say about IkamvaYouth.
Learn more about our findings, achievements and plans to scale up in future by viewing the link: IkamvaYouth E-Newsletter November 2013
Lloyd Lungu