My name is Talent Chinogureyi. I am 19 years old. I joined Ikamva Youth in the year 2009 as I was doing grade 9 at Bonela Secondary School in Durban, after my school received an advert from this organization in search of less privileged students from less privileged communities who are passionate about passing in-spite of their financial standing.
I was found worthy enough to partake in this program. Consistently I attended throughout and I really benefited from it.
Since I joined, I noticed a sudden slight increase in my marks in almost all my subjects. Late in grade 9 we were required to choose subjects that we would like to do in grade 10 up to matric. I chose Physical Science, Mathematics, Accounting, and Life Science, alongside English Home Language, IsiZulu and Life Orientation.
These were the subjects that everyone else was running away from because of the failing rates. Well, I told myself that I could do it. With support from my teachers at school and my tutors from Ikamva Youth, I really made it.
I wrote my final exams and passed. Though I got the symbols I wasn’t expecting, considering all the work I put in, but I did passed with a bachelors degree pass, very much better that most of the students I matriculated with.
At Ikamva we had ‘Winter school’ were we engage in some activities, these included career guidance. They did really enlighten me about various careers available out there and what it takes to reach there. They even went ahead in inviting some people who can be our role models and mentors. In really enjoyed it because I had an opportunity to speak one-on-one with someone who is doing it already.
Looking back to my family’s financial instability, I thought I wasn’t going to reach university despite the fact that I passed. I just applied, for the sake of trying my luck. The universities I applied to include, ‘St Augustine College of SA’, which was introduced to me by Thabsile, Ikamva Youth District coordinator.
Just after the results came out, I received a message from this College offering me a place to study BCom(PPE) . I couldn’t accept this offer yet because I didn’t know where the funds were going to come from. Then a week later, I received an email notifying me that I have been given 90% bursary towards my tuitions to study this course, with the accommodation paid for. I was really overwhelmed, I couldn’t believe it because I had already told myself that I wasn’t studying this year at all because I tried to apply for student loans and some bursaries that I knew of, but they couldn’t grant me any because I’m not a South African citizen.
At this College no work is to be submitted hand-written, only typed work is to be submitted. My gratitude goes to Ikamva Youth for one of their programs called ‘Operation Fikelela’, where they taught us how to use computers, right from the basics. Now I do not have any problem concerning my assignments.
“YOU ARE A STAR! YOU HAVE IT IN YOU TO REACH THE TOP! GO FOR IT AND NEVER LOOK BACK!” These were the words from my class teacher – my motivation! Right now, things are not easy at all, university is unlike secondary school, but with these words I’m still upon my two feet.
Last but not least I would like to give God Almighty all the glory for making it possible for me to be where I am right now. Secondly I would like to thank the organization, Ikamva Youth as a whole, not forgetting all my tutors and the coordinator for such an amazing voluntary work, it is really going a long way. I would also like to thank my teachers at Bonela Secondary and everyone else who made me a person I am today. I really understand that in life, no one would make it on his/her own. ‘A PERSON IS A PERSON THROUGH THE PROPAGATION OF OTHER PEOPLE.’
On the morning of the 16th of February IkamvaYouth; practically; began the process of changing lives. As hordes of excited learners trooped into the hall there was a tangible sense of expectation in the air; the stakes are high; we had a brilliant Open Day and now it’s time to deliver.
One cannot help but be humbled by the commitment levels of the schools; parents and learners. The Nombulelo Senior Secondary School principal left the comfort of his home on a Saturday morning to make sure that the school hall was ready for our use. The Ntsika Senior Secondary School principal continues to transport the learners in a taxi to make sure they are not late for sessions. Learners from Khutliso Daniels Senior Secondary School know that the principal has taken a very active interest in their progress while they are in our programme and this gives them that extra push. It is indeed the beginnings of greatness for the learners in this Joza Township of Grahamstown. IkamvaYouth is in operation.
This would not be possible without the selfless involvement of our volunteer tutors. From both Rhodes University and the township community they came; responding to a call of helping youth succeed by fully utilising education as a tool for success. We look forward to a year of exceeding expectations!!!
IkamvaYouth continues to grow; a new branch has been established in Ikageng Township, Potchefstroom, in the North West. This branch has been honoured with an Orange IkamvaYouth logo, a warm and inviting colour, the colour associated with the gentle warmth of the sun.
Our new Branch Coordinator, Zanele Mdletye is putting the IkamvaYouth print in the North West. We are pleased to announce that ground work in establishing a new branch in Ikageng has begun! IkamvaYouth has since received a warm welcome from the community of Ikageng. Four schools are on board with the programme, learner recruitment forms have been issued. The learner response has been awesome. We are on the verge of securing office space as well as tutoring venue, negotiations are in progress.
The North West University, Potchefstroom Campus recently gave us a platform to recruit for tutors. We are still navigating our way with Vuselela College and Agricultural College. Our mission is to recruit a dedicated army of volunteers to start tutoring learners by the end of February.
We are looking forward to working together with the community of Ikageng to achieve better results.
Those inspired by Orange are always on the go! Watch this space.
Not a single seat was left unused as we had our Open Day at the Chesterville branch of Ikamva Youth. In our midst were parents, former, current and aspiring Ikamvanites, librarians, our amazing tutors, staff and a representative from ABI. There were more than 130 people in the Vuyani Nkosi Memorial Youth Centre wanting to find out more about IkamvaYouth and the programmes offered and what the requirements were.
The singing of our National Anthem marked the beginning of the event. That was followed by the welcoming of guests by the new branch coordinator, Nelisa Luhabe. Cheryl Nzama, branch assistant, then went ahead to explain the IY model and what is required to become an Ikamvanite. She outlined the attendance requirements as well as explained reasons for possible dismissals/ kickouts. The plan was to have the Funeka’s story video projected but the Chesterville electricity had gone out just moments before the event began. It was exciting to see how even in the heat of a fully packed room with no air-conditioning serious learners and parents stayed to the end.
A Q&A session was opened by our ever so enthusiastic MC, Sbonelo “Blstk” Cele. Parents and learners asked very relevant questions to which Cheryl gave clarity.
We had a guest speaker, Ntokozo Hlongwane who is CEO of Ikusas’elihle Youth Coaching and Leadership Development (Pty) Ltd (IYCLD), motivational speaker and author of “How to finish grade 12 with maximum distinctions” who spoke extensively about having the right attitude towards school work and how one’s attitude will determine their altitude.
A past and present learner spoke about their experiences at IkamvaYouth and how their marks improved as well as how much fun they had while at it. A tutor encouraged learners and also spoke about the investment they as tutors are making. Mr. Mzwandile Majola of the Chesterville library also spoke on behalf of libraries, encouraging the culture of reading and familiarizing oneself with information centres.
There is also a lot of talent at IY-Chesterville. Almost all the entertainment was done by our very own Ikamvanites from our singing sensations Nomkhosi and Leeh, to our poets Phelele and Thobani and the guys from IY-Umlazi who have composed a rap song for IkamvaYouth about IkamvaYouth just put the ‘cherry on top’. The Open Day session ended with application forms being given to about 50 interested applicants who will be randomly chosen into the program.
After drinks, sponsored by ABI and a comfort break, we proceeded to the second part of the day- The Prize Giving. Leaners who have achieved an attendance of 75% and above were awarded certificates and others received prizes according to categories that had been voted for by the learners. ABI played a very important part in making sure each and every learner and tutor who has committed themselves to this programme received a gift that they would be happy about. Other gifts were sponsored by UKZN (pens) and MIET Africa (lanyards).
Saturday the 26th of January 2013 was a very special day for IkamvaYouth Gauteng as we opened our doors to new applications for the year. Open Day for both branches in Gauteng were jointly held at Ebony Park and it was exciting to see over 600 learners in attendance. The new applicants were all eager to see what IkamvaYouth had to offer and how they would be assisted to improve their marks.
The day started off with the District Coordinator, Patrick Mashanda, explaining what IkamvaYouth was all about and how IkamvaYouth would assist the learners within the community. Many of our supporters including ABI, Tzu Chi Foundation, Advtech, Mindset Network, ERM, EOH, Thoughtworks were present cheering all the learners on to take responsibility for their future and improve their marks.
(The Tzu Chi Foundation Team)
A prize giving ceremony immediately followed and all learners with over 80% attendance for 2012 were awarded certificates of achievement and the Grade 12’s with distinctions were recognised. Ntebaleng Morake, a Grade 12 with 4 distinctions, said a few words to thank everyone who supports IkamvaYouth and also encouraged learners to know that they too could excel at school.
(Ntebaleng Morake receiving her award)
Loads of fun ended the day off with donations of cokes, a DJ and music from ABI and pies from King Pie.
(Pies from King Pie being prepared for the aspiring Ikamvanites)
We are ready to change some lives this year, are you?
Lloyd Lungu