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.
As if to beautifully 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 National Coordinator, Zamo Shongwe are currently in London to receive the award at Kensington Palace on Saturday, 14th December 2013.
The STARS Foundation exists 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.
The award will be received in tribute of former president, Nelson Mandela, IkamvaYouth celebrates his life and pursuits with gladness and honour.
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela
Here at IkamvaYouth we know that our alumni are an essential part of our success. We cannot emphasise enough how valuable this team of Ikamvanites are! With many returning to volunteer their services as tutors at branches across the country, we are incredibly proud of these young men and women.
Under the leadership of National Alumni Coordinator, Lewis Mash, Ikamva managed to track 70% of Ikamva’s alumni, conducting a survey to properly assess their post-Ikamva progress.
In this study we have concluded that in comparison with national averages, Ikamva’s alumni have greater chances of improved lives. We have also learned that Ikamvanites have a first year drop out rate of 17.5%, which is less than half the national average. Each year, more than 60% of Ikamvanites enrolled at tertiary institutes either graduate, or pass all required courses and progress to the next year of study.
For this and other interesting findings, which include how we can improve on our shortcomings, read our Alumni Report today.
Thank you to all Alumni who participated in the survey, and especially those that generously serve as tutors at IkamvaYouth branches nationwide.
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………….
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