2010 is when it all began, I was one of those “weird” boys from the township with dreams as big as the Taj Mahal and go on forever like the Eiffel Tower. Obviously this was considered quite unorthodox in a typical township, where each day is survival and a battle to refuse a “blunt” or any other drug offered kindly.
I went to Chesterville Ext. Secondary a school situated in a place known as one of the crime hotspots. Ikamva Youth came in just when I needed the drive to push and keep going. I had just started a new subject package. Science and Mathematics were proving not to be child’s play and then I joined Ikamva Youth just when I thought Physics was for dummies that had no social life, to my surprise I found myself actually enjoying studying with other learners and working with a tutor was much more relaxing than staring at an old teacher with a stern look. South Africans were celebrating the FIFA world cup being hosted in their own country but I was celebrating more than that, I was also meeting new people both learners and tutors who would tell of their stories as varsity students.
From grade 10 to grade 12 I was always the highest in Hospitality class and this was only possible because of the resources provided by IY like unlimited internet access which would allow me to do my research every time I had an assignment or a project. I also excelled remarkably on almost all my subjects.
Now I’m in varsity studying Language Practice and I’m now also a tutor for IY, I also hold the title of portfolio head for Media Image and Expression. From the days I was a learner to today God knows it has not been a ride in the park neither has it been marshmallows and honey muffins. Being an Ikamvanites means you should be a goal orientated and determined learner, the kind of person who always dares to dream without forgetting you’re an individual and you were made to stand out! The future is our hands.
COKE and POPCORNS!!! Having arrived safely at the Sandton Ster- Kinekor, Ikamvanites were welcomed with coke and popcorns and an address from the STANLIB, CSI manager Ms. Nolwandle Ntshiza.
STANLIB Smartbuck: Mind your Moola campaign, aims to instil financial literacy lesson through the medium of comedy and drama. The learners enjoyed a 1 hour comedy-drama film, screened at the Ster Kinekor theatre. The film aimed to address some challenges facing young people such as wasteful spending, lack of savings and having debts. This campaign also gave learners an added advantage on the importance of the value of money and how to spend it. Ikamvanites had lots of fun and said the film was funny, relevant and informative. This campaign also gave some learners their first taste of what is like to watch a film on the big screen.
The learners ended the morning in high spirits. Thank you to Shine Solutions for the invite.
On Saturday the 11th of May, the Masi branch held our first Parent Meeting for the 2013. The overwhelming response by the parents proved that they all shared great interest in their children’s future at Ikamva and beyond. Parents and tutors, who attended, were treated to refreshments upon arrival, which were prepared by Masi staff and Branch Com members.
We kick started the morning by doing an Icebreaker, depicting what it is exactly that we do with the learners. Johnlyn Tromp, branch coordinator explained that learners are often lethargic and demotivated when they arrive at IY after a long day at school. In this way, they gain a second breath and the focus is on learning in a fun environment. The parents loved it! Shupai Mchuchu, branch assistance presented the IY structure to the parents; which was more beneficial for the new parents.
This was followed by a discussion on the role of the parents as part of Ikamva, to ensure that they play a big role in their children’s lives at Ikamva; to encourage regular attendance; to encourage independent study and to assure that their Matriculants, have applied to a tertiary institution. We had a lengthy discussion around kick outs, what it entails and how disadvantageous it is for a learner. All parents understood and are happy to be more involved to ensure that they are children won’t be kicked out. Important matters, such as explaining the Code system was instrumental in clarifying any confusion when parents receive their childrens’ reports.
Masiphumelele branch is intent on gaining high results this year. In an attempt to encourage transparency, we discussed the first term learner results and discussed how we can work together to attain better results. The floor was then opened in order for parents to make suggestions or bring up concerns. There were many questions from our new parents and our old parents were happy to answer. The Ikamva staff also answered them to their satisfaction. Lastly, parents were invited to view their child’s attendance for the first term and IY staff was on hand to answer their questions.
We wish to express our gratitude towards parents and tutors who attended and showed interest in the children’s future.
Let’s all keep up the good work for our learners and their future!
Nyanga’s Grade 11 and 12 classes spent an educational, informative, yet fun morning on the UWC and CPUT Bellville campuses on the 11th of May.
The learners were very excited, particularly the Gr 11s; many of whom were attending a university open day for the first time. The group attended talks, lectures, exhibitions, demonstrations and visited the different departments on the campuses as each showcased itself to hundreds of young people all hoping to learn more about possible careers and bursary opportunities as tertiary students.
Here’s what some of the learners had to say about the day:
Being at UWC was such a great experience for me. I was very impressed with the information I got from the faculty of Accounting. I think I have found a suitable career for myself, (B.com). (Nopinki Mba, Gr 12)
Going to the opening day at UWC opened my eyes as I learnt a lot about other careers but sadly they don’t have Bio-medical technology which I want to study. It wasn’t a waste of time though because I got an opportunity to get more information regarding bursaries. (Noluthando Nkebetwana, Gr 11)
On the 13th of May, four of Nyanga’s Grade 10s attended the annual Innovation Challenge hosted by HIP2B2. At the event, the learners got to meet and spend an innovative afternoon with fellow learners from all over Cape Town, who are taking pure Maths and Science as school subjects.
The Innovation Challenges seeks to introduce learners to the fun side of Maths and Science, all the while giving guidance on how these subjects lay foundations for careers in fields of technology, health care, safety and transport.
One of the learners had the following to say:
I had a great time especially while we were designing a dress and a candle stick. What I liked the most was that we worked as a team and everyone was participating.
A huge thank you to our partners at HIP2B2 for inviting ikamvanites to share in this brilliant initiative
Lloyd Lungu