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 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!
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
On the 11th of May, both Ivory and Ebony park Ikamvanites attended the University of Johannesburg Open Day. As expected, ikamvanites came in numbers to avail themselves for the Open Day. On arrival, the learners were introduced to their Tour Marshall for the day, who then read-out the rules and explained on how the tour will be conducted.
They started by visiting all the departments the University offers. In each department ikamvanites got to know different career paths to follow and their requirements. Ikamvanites learnt the different Degrees and Diplomas the institution offers. They were advised to work hard on their grade 11 and 12 results to stand a chance of getting accepted at the Institution. Ikamvanites were then asked to sit in a televised film that showed and explained the importance of choosing the best subjects and courses for their future.
This is what the learners had to say about the Open Day.
Rebecca Mamabolo (Ebony Park), “the Tour Marshall was very friendly and I experienced a lot from the Open Day”.
Kabelo Madiga (Ivory Park), “at University of Johannesburg we got all the information we needed”.
The day ended with learners asked to submit their application forms, to stand a chance of winning a bursary worth R25000 if they submit their forms on Open Day. We are working hard to attain yet another 100% placement in Gauteng for 2013!!
Written By Michael Thema (Ebony Park Branch)
The weekend of 4th May 2013 saw the Chesterville branch having its 2nd term parents meeting. With the branch having a learner number of more than 130 leaners, we had anticipated a high number of parents to come in for the meeting. However that was not the case with the team having exhausted all methods in trying to get the parents to attend the meeting that still lead to less than the desired number attending.
The meeting started off by parents being introduced to the IY model by us playing the Funeka video for them. After that an open discussion was held to better explain to them the specifics and how IY greatly impacts their children. Many parents that had attended the meeting were parents of learners that had recently joined the program and they showed gratitude towards the programme.
The meeting agenda addressed attendance, report collection, careers indaba 2013 and winter school and the importance of every learner attending the two week holiday programme. Discussions regarding tertiary applications for the matriculants were also addressed in the meeting. Emphasize was placed on how parents need to play a huge role in ensuring that their child has applied for university or any other equivalent opportunity, to also be aware of the cost implications that come with registrations and tertiary fees. Alternatives are provided by IkamvaYouth however parents also need to be armed with knowledge and know the different resources/services that are provided for post matrics.
One parents said that her child in grade 11 initially was not a high achieving child however ever since they joined IY she has seen improvement with regards to her attitude and school work.
Overall from the parent’s perspective, it seems we are impacting the learners greatly and if these learners continue to stay in the programme greater things are sure to come. That can only be achieved through collaborative efforts between the parents and the branch.
2013 mentorship programme started off on a high note for IY Gauteng (Ivory and Ebony). The meet-and-greet session was held on the 04th of May for both branches and grade 12 learners were so excited to be paired with their mentors.
Mentors and mentees at the Ivory Park branch
Mentoring at IkamvaYouth is a year long programme, where a mentor commits to guiding and motivating a grade 12 learner the whole year till they are placed in a tertiary institution. It begins with the ‘meet-and-greet’ session, where the mentor meets their mentee for the first time. Thereafter they can communicate via email, phone, or they can arrange other meetings, notifying the branch staff in the process. The mentor commits to at least 2 hours of communication every month, checking on such aspects as how the learner is doing at school, if they have applied for bursaries, and ensuring they apply to at least three tertiary institutions. The mentors compliment what the branch staff is already doing, only availing further help to the mentee of their choice. Anyone who has been through tertiary can become a mentor.
Mentors and mentees at Ebony Park branch
At the Ivory Park branch, mentors received a warm welcome from Patrick Mashanda, the district coordinator. It was really exciting to have them, with 13 mentors present, and having braved the morning cold to be at the branch at 8am. Suzan Mpufane (mentor) said she was just excited to be part of this mentoring programme and she wouldn’t mind mentoring two mentees. Emmanuel Mogale, a grade 12 learner, noted that it was more fun, and he had a great time. ‘It is indeed beneficial to be a learner at IkamvaYouth and an opportunity like this should never be missed”, he said.
At the Ebony Park branch, 11 professionals availed themselves to meet their mentees for the first time. The mentors came from Eskom, SABC, EOH, and The Legacy of True Beauty. Kasandra Katurura, one of the grade 12 learners at Ebony Park, noted that “Dean (her mentor) actually brought himself down to my level and made me understand basic principles of my academic life, and that is amazing’.
Nyasha Mutasa, the Ebony Park branch coordinator observed that the learners were so excited, while the mentors showed unreserved commitment to help the learners, which made the session a success.
The mentors and mentees signed a mentorship agreement, which is a basic commitment to work together all the way, ensuring the mentee is motivated.
Devendri Pillay of African Bank- addressing learners whose mentors had not managed to come.
Both branches hope to have found mentors for every mentor by the end of May. ABI staff are working on coming to mentor at the Ebony Park branch, while there are more mentors from African Bank for the Ivory Park branch. Thank you beloved mentors. All the best for our Matric 2013 Ikamvanites!!
Lloyd Lungu