Hyperion is a South African student based organisation. Their goal is to see IT and Computer Science being promoted more throughout South Africa- starting with Universities and Schools in South Africa.
Hyperion wants to work with IkamvaYouth by training Ikamvanites learners in Gauteng to be star programmers in web development, Python and Java. They offer free training in computer programming and web development to absolutely anyone. It doesn’t matter if you’re in high school, university or even a lecturer- they will help you develop IT skills based on your needs. Their entire lessons are done over the internet, you can also arrange one-on-one lessons with their tutors face-to-face or over the internet.
They do not only promote IT and Computer Science, but also donate computers to Schools; currently they are on the verge of donating computers to one of our feeder schools in Gauteng (Tsosoloso Ya Afrika). On the 18th of January, they went to Riverdene Secondary School located in Newlands west. The school was in need of computer equipment and Hyperion was there to donate computers. They currently have resources to fund the installation of about 120 computers for Education purposes.
A number of Ikamvanites took time to look into the program and this is what they had to say;
“It’s essential and beneficial for everyone to have knowledge of IT and Computer Science”-Sfiso Baloyi (tutor)
“It’s a great program for one to familiarize with IT and Computer Science” Kabelo Mashele (Grade 12 Learner)
We hope every learner in South Africa will be equipped with the necessary IT and Computer skills for years to come.
Written by Michael Thema (Ebony Park Branch Assistant)
Masiphulele Fire Drill 2013
The day of the fire drill finally arrived and our learners attended with excitement and enthusiasm. Grade 11 and 12 were the first ones to be taught about fire safety on the 10th of April and the following day on the 11th was the grade 9 and 10 turn. Mr Donald from the Fish Hoek fire department led the workshop. The workshop for all the grades was more on a Q and A basis. Mr Donald taught them the causes of fire, prevention/precautions and about fire extinguishers.
Causes
- Paraffin stoves
- Candles/fire lamps
- Flammable liquids and aerosols
- Gas stoves
- Candles/Fire lamps
- Household appliances – clothes dryers, curling irons, hair dryers, refrigerators, freezers
- Chimneys that concentrate creosote
- Batteries
- Broken electrical lights
- Thunderstorms/lightning and many more
Mr Donald asked the learners the causes of fire, the learners mentioned the ones they knew, he helped them out and told them other ones they never expected that they could cause a fire, and they listed them down discussed them and moved on to preventions/ precautions.
Prevention
- Fire drills
- Fire proofing
- Fire alarm systems
- Fire extinguishers
- Fire stops
- Maintaining proper fire exist
- Prohibiting flammable materials in other parts of the buildings.
Mr Donald moved on to fire extinguishers, he finds the importance of everyone knowing how to use a fire extinguisher important, because you never know when you have to make use of it and there aren’t any fire brigades near. He told them the parts of the fire extinguisher he also taught them the use of the fire extinguishers and different parts and their names on the extinguisher
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Fire Extinguisher use
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Water
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Foam
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Dry Powder
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Wet Chemical
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Carbon Dioxide
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Carboneceous, wood, paper, textiles, hay, straw, linen, etc
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ü
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ü
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ü
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X
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ü
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Flammable Liquids, petrol, paraffin, wax ,paints, oils
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X
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ü
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ü
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ü
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X
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Gas, natural gas, butane acetylene methane, etc, container or mainly leak
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X
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X
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ü
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X
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X
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Electrical risks, mains in feed panels, kitchen equipment, welding rigs, transformers etc
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X
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X
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ü
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ü
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X
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Deep fat, deep fat fryers in open vast
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X
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X
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X
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X
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ü
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Mr Donald also taught them the parts of a fire extinguisher and their use, especially the important parts they have to be familiar with
Label
The label describes the type of extinguisher, different types are combustible, liquids, electrical and flammable metals, and always know the type of fire you are dealing with.
Handle and operating level
The handle and lever are located at the top at the extinguisher, in a case of fire you need to know how to handle it with control
Locking pin
The locking pin is a safety guard that should be left in position, until you are ready to use your extinguisher
Discharge nozzle
The nozzle is also at the top ad should be pointed in the direction of the fire when using the extinguisher
Pressure gauge
Is located at the top it indicated whether the tank is full or empty
After they were taught all of the parts and their uses, he asked them what they remembered and come up and explain, they also had question for Mr Donald and he was more than happy to answer the questions
Masiphumelele Strategic Weekend Planning
We held our annual Strategic Planning Weekend on 13-14th April 2013 at the Community Hall and local Library, respectively. We had 3 tutors and 41 learners in attendance on the first day; while we had 24 learners on the second day. Those who attended and participated, displayed understanding and knowledge of Ikamva Youth as well as willingness to effect change. The two days was filled with a lot of programmes, activities and games> On saterday, we looked at our vaulues, mission and vision, history of Masi branch its (timeline) then later on moved on to vision and time management. Lunch time came, and after that we focused on the swot analysis and looked at what the promblems a we face as a branch, our learners voiced themsleves and expressed their concerns but they excellently came up with solutions with the help fronm our tutors as well.
We closed our Saturday session on a high note everyone sharing what they enjoyed and learnt for the day and checking out.
On Sunday we focused on our portfolios and we elected the Masi branch com. All the portfolios were filled up with two members or more. The learners in each portfolio discussed what it entails to be in that particular portifolio and what is required from them, they successfully accomplished the task and they came up with great ideas with the help from other learners.
In closing, the SPW was a resounding success, having achieved its objectives and aims as well as forging good relations between the organisation, it’s learners and partners. We are incredibly excited about the future of the branch and the immense potential which is evident in the lives of the learners. We would sincerely like to thank the following for their labour of love and enthusiasm in making Masiphumelele branch what it is:Liesel Bakker; Susan Alexander; Community Hall and Library staff. A special thanks to our sponsors: the kind donations of Woolworths Foods, Fish Hoek and McDonald’s, Sun Valley, we were able to feed our hungry Ikamvanites for the duration of the weekend and this included delicious dessert. A special thanks to Veronica, librarian assistant at Masiphumelele library, for cooking a scrumptious chicken curry.
The weekend of the 20th of April saw Chesterville hosting its annual tutor training session at the Steve Biko campus at DUT. This tutor training session had been planned from the SPW weekend and to see it come alive in the way that it did made it an eventful day for all involved.
With a high number of new tutors this year, this experience was going to contribute to them being more knowledgeable about tutoring and IY’s oh so prevalent and distinct 1:5 ratio.
The session began with an icebreaker that at the end of it, all tutors were lightened up and ready to begin the session. Nelisa Luhabe (Branch Coordinator) welcomed everyone with open arms and set the tone for the day. The team began with revising and asking questions regarding information on the tutor training guide, Cheryl Nzama (Branch Assistant) and Nelisa then guided the team with answers and outlined the essentials of tutoring and how to deal with learner dynamics as a tutor. The tutor training guide also emphasizes all aspects that one needs to know in order to be a diligent tutor for the branch.
Fast forward to the activity “how to park a car”, if you are familiar with this activity then you would know how important it is that it be included in our tutor training session. In short the activity aims to help the tutor and everyone involved to know how to analyse a situation, share opinions in a group, to actively listen and most importantly to give each learner in that group equal attention. This activity saw tutors having what some would call “aha moments”, they better understood that no two learners are the same, that each learner understands/develops at a different pace and that for a tutor, it’s ok to say “I don’t know however I will call in another tutor to come in and assist” and that is how one of our values “peer to peer support” starts showing up.
Working in an environment with learners and tutors means that everyone needs to be armed with knowledge on how to deal with conflicts and the likes. So the activity ‘Metaphor of fire” tackled that in every sense.
The day ended with everyone carrying the responsibility of ensuring that Chesterville still maintain its 100% matric pass rate and to also focus more on making sure that all learners produce quality marks in all the grades. Tough ask! however with commitment and diligence from everyone involved, what’s impossible again? Nothing!!
This years Careers Indaba, organised in partnership with Equal Education and SAEP, saw nearly 1000 leaners come though the doors of the Zolani Centre, all coming to gain valuable exposure to organisations, workshops and other important resources.
The aim on the Indaba is to provide learners with information that will assist them in making informed decisions; a fundamental step in fostering a mind set in the youth of South Africa of pro-active future orientated thinking. It is challenging to dream of a better future and to aspire to goals without knowing the realities of these goals and the opportunities that are available.
The annual Careers Indaba is a chance for leaners to obtain information on where to continue their studies, start working; find out about on the job training, as well as alternatives to studying through volunteer programs or internships. It gives them a chance to investigate their options and talk directly to the people who are able to guide them in the right direction. In addition Career Planet and Kayin from SAEP also offered workshops on CV building, interview techniques and personal development. Skills that are needed wherever your path takes you.
While protests on the freeway kept a few exhibitors away, it didn’t damper the spirit of the learners who came, and a few had this to say,
Kuhle, “I learnt that I have to be confident and choose a career that will require my talents and abilities.”
Zasipho, “I have learnt about my career, where to study, how and where to apply for bursaries and how to be successful in future.”
Ludwe, “I have learnt that even if you come from a poor family you can get a bursary and go further with your education.”
Sikelelwa, “I have learnt that education is your ticket to success and you have to have dreams in order to succeed. Everything you do is all about knowing what you truly want out of life.
Ngeke, “That you must know what you want and understand your chosen career. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of it.”
Anathi, “I have learnt that there are many opportunities for youth out there so there’s no excuse of not having money or being poor.”
Nosiphiwo, “I learnt that in order for me to achieve my dream career I need to focus on my studies so that I can get better results at the end of the year.”
The day would not have been possible without our amazing partnership with Equal Education and SAEP – big up to them!
Lloyd Lungu