Amidst the scorching mid-week weather of Johannesburg, around 50 volunteers from the IkamvaYouth Gauteng branches, Ebony Park and Ivory Park, gathered for their annual year-end celebratory outing at Zoo Lake. This was the first time that the two Gauteng branches merged for a volunteer appreciation event organized by IkamvaYouth. The beautiful park had scenery which most viewed as an appropriate setting. In attendance were National Co-ordinator Zamo Shongwe, Gauteng Regional Co-ordinator Patrick Mashanda, Branch Co-ordinators Nyasha and Mbali with assistants, Bongani and Modjadji.
The volunteers immediately used the opportunity to get to know each other through conversations, which often turned into heated debates, games and activities. Some of the activities showed obvious competitiveness and team work while others were just plain fun. Proceedings got underway as fire was prepared for a meaty braai. A delightful lunch was served thereafter coupled with snacks and drinks.
The day had its usual share of addresses, though brief, from Patrick and Zamo who both reiterated the important role that the volunteers play at IkamvaYouth and conveyed their gratitude for the self-less contributions made by the tutors throughout the year. They both touched on the key role that the volunteers play in making the IkamvaYouth vision, a national sensation by 2030.
The day concluded with awards from the Ebony Park branch, which were voted for by the learners and volunteers. The first awards were for the most contributing tutors, which went to Hlengiwe Radebe, Ntabelang Matjee, Gregory Behrens and Talent Mzili. The award for best tutor went to Hlengiwe Radebe whereas the award for leadership went to Talent Mzili.
On behalf of the IkamvaYouth Gauteng Branch volunteers, many thanks to everyone who made the day possible, we truly felt the appreciation. Here’s to many more years of the IkamvaYouth movement!
The past three months have seen a few of the Nyanga and Makhaza learners turn into local short film documentary film makers – learning valuable industry skills, while grappling with real issues they face in their lives. Partnering with a US based organisation,
Reel Lives, who use
filmaking media to support education, empowerment and social change.
Each of our learners in the program shot and edited an individual, non-fiction film related to a personal human rights issue in their own lives. Through the process of making these films, they were supported in engaging with their own lives in a unique way, and in experiencing the catharsis of an informal, but powerful, art therapy structure.
Have a look at their teasers, as well as read about the process and what they’ve got up to over the past three months here.
And now please join us in supporting our learners for the premiere of their films!
Saturday November 24th, 11:30am (doors open @ 11am. Please arrive early, limited seating)
Labia Theatre, 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
FREE entry, Donations appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you there, please feel free to bring along partners / friends / family
The big number of parents that attended, showed the willingness and dedication these parents have for their children’s education.
At the meeting a number of issues were discussed with some of the more important issues being the role IkamvaYouth plays, attendance, the IY mission and vision, the benefits of being part of IY, report collection and tertiary placements for 2012 grade 12s. The parents also spoke about their experiences of the program, the concerns they have and how all the different projects and tutoring plays a role in shaping the lives of their children. The parents were excited about what their children are doing at Ikamva Youth and also looked forward to reaping the rewards and sharing in the successes of their children.
Also part of the meeting was the tutors who had opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns and successes they had while tutoring this year. One thing that stood out was the willingness of everyone present to make this program a success. One parent noted that this is one of the very few organisations that add value to her child as well as her life. She said that education is key in fighting poverty and finding a way out of township life and thanked IkamvaYouth for accepting her child in the programme. A grade 12 parent noted that money is one of the biggest stumbling blocks that keep their children from going to university and through IkamvaYouth’s involvement and our endeavors in helping students get bursaries, paying the application and registration fees, we are helping to make their dreams a reality.
The success of our programme is directly linked to the involvement of parents and through the interaction at the meeting we realised that the future of this beautiful country is looking bright. There is a willingness of people everywhere to make a difference and once a vision is shared it becomes a reality. Success breeds success and this saying was proved at the meeting. If everyone plays their role, no matter how small and insignificant they might think it is, change is possible.
We received a favourable response from Jabatha Paper and Stationery who have generously donated 4 desks and 2 chairs to the Ivory Park Branch. Their generosity is a meaningful contribution to the smooth running of the branch operations and yes of course, help create those inspiring spaces.
A big Thank You once again to Jabatha!
Two Gauteng Ikamvanites (Nyasha Mutasa & Modjadji-M Selowe) attended the Nalibali Reading for enjoyment initiative (www.nalibali.org) in partnership with University of Johannesburg(UJ) and Avusa Media (www.Avusa.co.za)
This initiative aims to get South African people (children and adults) passionate about telling and reading stories. Nalibali uses the power of stories, both oral and written in different languages, to inspire children to desire to read and write. Through reading, telling stories and writing, both adults and children get to know one another in relaxed and nurturing ways.
Books and stories deepen our thinking by stretching our imaginations and encouraging creative problem solving. IkamvaYouth Gauteng is passionate about literacy development hence we support and encourage learners to read through the Nalibali initiatives.
Let’s read , write, tell our stories and build a literate community
Around 2.30pm on Saturday 20 October, the first parents crossed the library doors to attend the Term 4 Parent’s meeting.
Besides explaining the IkamvaYouth aim, we first communicated the IkamvaYouth vision to the parents: “1,000,000 learners will be passing matric with flying colours in 2030, getting access to post school opportunities and generating a dignified income”. In fact we want to make them dream with us, to make them feel integrated to the process of making a difference.
In order to reach the stars, we need a high commitment from both parents and learners. Therefore we made a point on the attendance process, kick-outs, school report collection and analysis. Simultaneously, the Masi branch needs to have a pool of regular tutors. We invited the parents to come and tutor and/or recommend some of their friends who might be interested. In fact, offering a good tutoring quality comes from the small tutoring groups (1 tutor for 5 learners). At last, parents asked questions around how to get more involved and having more feedback from IkamvaYouth.
Thank you to all the parents who are one of our partners of choice in Education. Let’s take another step together!
Lloyd Lungu