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?
Umlazi Open Day/Prize giving
More than 150 community members from Umlazi AA section and surrounding areas came to the AA Library to learn more about IkamvaYouth last week Saturday on the 19th of January 2013. Among those in attendance, were existing and potential lkamvaNites, parents, and partners ABI & the library.
The Branch Assistant N’thabiseng Zwane welcomed our guests with the help of one of the IkamvaYouth learners Sindisiwe Sibisi who sang a beautiful song to open the day, Branch Coordinator S’bonelo Cele presented Funeka’s story which explains IkamvaYouth in 3 minutes and then briefly explained in broader detail what IkamvaYouth does. A group of learners presented a play/poem on what IkamvaYouth means to them, followed by one of our tutors Samukelo Jili who spoke on behalf of all the tutors explaining to the community what they need from them in assisting the learners in problem areas.
The ABI Cooperate Social Investment Coordinator from KZN Samukelo Nkosi, spoke on behalf of ABI explaining the role they play in society including IkamvaYouth and shared some words of wisdom to everyone in the hall. This was followed by Andile Memela the Head Librarian at the AA library on its involvement with IkamvaYouth.
After a word from our guests, the floor was opened for a Q and A session with S’bonelo. During the refreshments break guests were treated to a performance by two local poets who recited a piece on HIV/AIDS, later joined by two local contemporary dancers. This was followed by a rap group that performed a song they had written about IkamvaYouth which got crowd interaction.
As the final part of the day we moved on to prize giving. The prize giving is IkamvaYouth’s way of commending the learners who are dedicated to the program. This year’s prizes were sponsored by ABI, which shows their ongoing support for the branch. The learners took pictures with their gift bags, followed by lunch which was sponsored ABI. Now we look forward to the year ahead.
Umlazi Open Day/Prize giving
More than 150 community members from Umlazi AA section and surrounding areas came to the AA Library to learn more about IkamvaYouth last week Saturday on the 19th of January 2013. Among those in attendance, were existing and potential lkamvaNites, parents, and partners ABI & the library.
The Branch Assistant N’thabiseng Zwane welcomed our guests with the help of one of the IkamvaYouth learners Sindisiwe Sibisi who sang a beautiful song to open the day, Branch Coordinator S’bonelo Cele presented Funeka’s story which explains IkamvaYouth in 3 minutes and then briefly explained in broader detail what IkamvaYouth does. A group of learners presented a play/poem on what IkamvaYouth means to them, followed by one of our tutors Samukelo Jili who spoke on behalf of all the tutors explaining to the community what they need from them in assisting the learners in problem areas.
The ABI Cooperate Social Investment Coordinator from KZN Samukelo Nkosi, spoke on behalf of ABI explaining the role they play in society including IkamvaYouth and shared some words of wisdom to everyone in the hall. This was followed by Andile Memela the Head Liberian at the AA library on its involvement with IkamvaYouth.
After a word from our guests, the floor was opened for a Q and A session with S’bonelo. During the refreshments break guests were treated to a performance by two local poets who recited a piece on HIV/AIDS, later joined by two local contemporary dancers. This was followed by a rap group that performed a song they had written about IkamvaYouth which got crowd interaction.
As the final part of the day we moved on to prize giving. The prize giving is IkamvaYouth’s way of commending the learners who are dedicated to the program. This year’s prizes were sponsored by ABI, which shows their ongoing support for the branch. The learners took pictures with their gift bags, followed by lunch which was sponsored ABI. Now we look forward to the year ahead.
A mere invitation to the Nyanga Open Day was not enough for New Eisleben High School, who requested that IY come and conduct a second ‘Open Day’ to its leaners in their school hall. The Nyanga team happily obliged and on the 23rd of January, spent precious time with the school’s learners, telling them about IY and the support available for them throughout the year.
The learners listened attentively and asked many questions afterwards, betraying a genuine interest in the program and how it runs. The principal, Mr Mazimela is enthusiastic about the IY model and approach and asked why IY does not launch the tutoring program from the schools, since it is a valuable intervention. This is an exciting query, very much aligned with IY’s 2030 vision, and IY Nyanga is looking forward to working with the school towards 2030, and beyond!
Lloyd Lungu