In the event and celebration of finding a new BA for the Chesterville branch in KZN, the rest of the crew saw it as a great opportunity to get together, relax, and get to know each other while welcoming her with an evening to remember at the Galleria’s super bowling entertainment Centre.
The objective of this meeting was to increase the unity of the team by developing relationships and ability to work together as a team and the Centre served as an ideal scene for them to get a moment of sharing while being revitalized after a long and demanding year, and get geared up for the fast approaching New Year.
The day began with an indulgent lunch at the newly opened Cafe Gitano’s where the new BA had her first exciting, yet initially reluctant, taste of mussels.They then later on all proceeded to the bowling court where they had an awesome time, with the uMlazi BA coming out first…this was indeed a well-deserved outcome for the uMlazi branch as the uMlazi BC had to endure some not so pleasant, unforeseen circumstances, as he stretched out to bowl and felt the stitch of his pants let way and when he felt a breeze coming in he knew that his outfit was in ruins!!!!
Overall everyone had an amazing time and got a moment to let loose their hair and create a lasting memory while getting to know each other better.
Tutor appreciation held on Saturday the 16th of November at the Ikageng branch was an awesome event.
The day began with an extension of gratitude to tutors by the learners for their help throughout the year. Ikageng learners then presented them uniquely designed certificates of appreciation. The dedicated tutors could not help smiling and as they received the honor, posing for photos from a crowd of cheerful learners.
One tutor said “We feel so honored to see how much the learners appreciate us. It makes us proud to be part of IkamvaYouth’’
Straight after being handed certificates, yet another surprise awaited the Ikageng tutors. The River Lodge camping site in Klerksdrop then provided a platform for team building, planning and celebrating successes between IkamvaYouth staff and tutors. The team had a one hour workshop discussing achievements, challenges, expectations and targets for the year 2014
The day ended well with dancing, braai and drinks. Warm thanks were passed over to IkamvaYouth for organizing such a great day for the tutors. They all felt appreciated and ready to start the New Year with extended energy.
60 tutors from both Ivory Park and Ebony Park branches came together on Saturday the 16th of November to be appreciated by IkamvaYouth. The day started off with normal tutoring from 9am to 12pm, thereafter , all the tutors were transported to the tutor appreciation venue called Wild Waters in Boksburg.
The day was filled with loads of fun, laughter, conversation, eating and drinking. Many tutors mentioned that they had never seen such a beautiful place and they had no idea that a place like this existed in Johannesburg. This venue was full of different types of water fun activities and the tutors could not pull themselves out of the refreshing water. Patrick Mashanda, the District Coordinator, also addressed all the tutors expressing how important they were to IkamvaYouth, reiterating that the work they put in has made a huge difference to many lives. It was a memorable day with many tutors saying that they felt very appreciated for the hard work they put into tutoring the learners.
Eventually we marked the end of the day by handing out certificates of appreciation to all the tutors. We appreciate all our tutors and we are already looking forward to starting 2014 with an even bigger bang!
On 3rd October 2013 at the celebration of IkamvaYouth’s 10th Anniversary, we had the chance to share Funeka’s Story with Minister Trevor Manuel, our response to the National Planning Com story of Thandi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIiRsFYsRcg). While Thandi’s story illustrates the challenges facing the country and the poor outcomes that the majority of South African youth can expect, Funeka’s Story tells a different story, one of hope, and offers a solution to our education crisis. Minister Manuel was moved to call Funeka’s story, a “story of change”, and went on to say, ” You are the change, the model that works. (Your programme) must be taken forward.”
Funeka (in pink) waiting to greet Trevor Manuel at IkamvaYouth’s 10 year celebration
Watch this updated version of Funeka’s Story (below) which explains the IkamvaYouth model and the positive impact that our organisation is having on the future for young people participating in our youth-to-youth programme. Share in our Vision 2030 which aims to bring this model to ALL young people people in South Africa. Contact us to get involved and make this vision a reality.
A BIG THANK YOU goes to:
- Funeka, for sharing your story and being such a professional voice-over artist!
- Dan Eppel who recorded and mixed the sound
- Freshly Ground for donating the tunes
- the staff and interns who helped behind the scenes,
and especially to:
Lynne Stuart for applying her design talents to explain what we do so concisely and beautifully!
[video:http://youtu.be/cJDM8LR6-9c]
As the hectic exam season went underway, our funders and good friends from ABI decided to throw a good luck braai and cake day for all the grade 12 learners in Gauteng. It was a much needed break from the current pressure our learners are facing in preparing years of hard work and achievements into one busy month. Our learners have been hard at work, studying at home and attending workshops both at school and those organised by IY to make sure that all this work culminates in good results for their futures.
From all the Ikamvanites around South Africa here’s to wishing all our grade 12s the best of luck.
Keep soaring superheroes !
Lloyd Lungu