Based on our 2016 matric pass rate of 85%, the benchmark for our matric cohort is now set to achieve above this record.
Tutors at Tutor Appreciation Day Celebration
Ikageng’s 2016 matric results recorded a whopping 85% pass rate. To sustain the branch’s positive matric results momentum, since the beginning of the year, the branch has been striving to Paying It Forward by hosting a number of career guidance sessions, matric induction into tertiary applications and placement information, mentoring sessions, and stress relief workshops for our current matric cohort.
Exam Preparation
During this term, our tutors have been available for the learners throughout the week from Monday to Saturday assisting them to review all school content covered from the beginning of the year, also in answering previous exam question papers. We then rewarded our tutors with a Tutor Appreciation trip to Potch Dam for a celebration of their hard work.
Ntombi Mahlangu (BC) Facilitating the Grade 11 Workshop
This induction workshop introduced our current grade 11s to life-into-matric in 2018. The induction process included the pass requirements for each of these levels (Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor); the prerequisites for tertiary enrolment, NBTs and many more. Furthermore during the session, learners were taught to calculate for themselves their matric pass type using mock academic reports so they could be aware of their term 3 pass status.
Facilitated by our volunteer, Thenjiwe Gazi, the branch hosted a Subject Selection workshop for Grade 9s. The workshop included psychometric assessment of personality, aptitude and interests. Followed by an online written report of the results, recommendations and individual feedback sessions. The learners were also made aware of the impact that their subject choice may have on future career prospects.
Mentorship
Our Mentors from SALT Lunching with our 2017 Matrics
When the final exams for matrics officially began, our mentors from SALT organisation lunched with our matriculants offering psychosocial support. The session focused on the importance of a balanced mental and emotional state for building resilience during exam times, to ascertain that stress and anxiety do not derail the efforts of our current Grade 12’s. We are thankful that our learners gave positive feedback of the session.
Building Strengthening Relationship with the DoE
Bonolo Thebe (Mafikeng Branch Coordinator) Delivering the Candle Lighting Speech
The branch continually strengthens relationship with the Bokone Bophirima Department of Education and Sports Development. On the 25th November, we are greatly honoured by the attendance of the DoE official Mr Tyatya who shared words of wisdom particularly to the matriculants for their final examinations. Also on the 20th October, DoE cordially invited both the Ikageng and Mahikeng branches to the launch of the Tsetsepela Morutwana campaign and the Annual Provincial Prayer for 2017 in support of learners as they write their final examinations. IkamvaYouth delivered the Candle Lighting speech. On the next day, we were also invited to the celebration of 2017 (Provincial) National Teaching Awards of winners proceeding to the National awards in 2018.
We closed the year by hosting the 2017 Career Expo where all high school learners in Potchefstroom from different grade levels (9, 10, 11 & 12s) were invited, including parents, IY alumni and volunteers. The aim of our Career Expo is to reach all age demographics targeting high school learners in making informed decisions in selection of career paths at an early stage, with early applications at tertiary and bursary institutions, and creating awareness of more career options available at their disposal. The Expo featured a variety of exhibitors and presentation as follows; Cocacola Beverages South Africa; FAMSA; South African Police Services; Rosebank College; Vuselela College; ABSA; Virgin Active; Music Arts & Sports; JHB Culinary & Pastry School; Girls Ignite Africa; Centurion Academy; Herald Newspaper and many more…
We are committed to building partnerships with multifaceted stakeholders in improving our learner’s academic achievements, and making the tertiary/post-matric placements possible. We hope all participants will consider joining us again in celebrating our Matric Results Day hosted at our branch on the 20th January 2018.
Millions of Rand are committed to Skills Development (SD) under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policy every year by the South African corporate sector. This scale of investment holds the potential to substantially impact socio-economic transformation in the country but for many corporations, it has defaulted to an exercise of B-BBEE compliance.
With SD now taking the spotlight in the national economic empowerment agenda thanks to the Department of Trade and Industry’s amendments to the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice, companies should be thinking more strategically about their approaches to SD and how to invest the required 3-6% of payroll in line with core segments of their businesses. It makes sense to carefully identify SD opportunities and work to build solid and reliable relationships with partners.
IkamvaYouth has set up a matric bursary programme, which represents an opportunity for corporations to earn points under the B-BBEE codes and achieve lasting impact. If you would like to know more about this programme, please contact Alex Smith at alex@ikamvayouth.org. IkamvaYouth is a Level 1 B-BBEE supplier as more than 75% of its beneficiaries are black South Africans.
Investing your SD spend in IkamvaYouth represents an opportunity to achieve lasting impact and unlock transformative potential.
The problem that exists in South Africa
It is well known that South Africa’s education system is still in crisis. 80% of South African schools are deemed to be ‘dysfunctional’, and of the 1.3 million learners who begin school each year in South Africa, less than half will ever reach matriculation. In a study of grade 6 mathematics teachers, researchers found that 79% of teachers’ content knowledge was below grade level taught.
In South Africa, from a class of 20, only 8 will complete Grade 12 (High School Graduation), 3 will achieve a pass enabling them to access university and only 2 will reach university. Of these 2 learners, only 1 is likely to be from a township yet the majority of South Africa’s children live in townships.
What is IkamvaYouth and what impact has it achieved?
Each of IkamvaYouth’s programmes addresses the problems in simple yet effective and measurable ways:
- Supplementary tutoring and homework sessions enable learners to improve their grades;
- Career guidance broadens learners’ awareness of post-school opportunities;
- Mentoring ensures that learners access these opportunities;
- Computer literacy and access equips learners with essential skills and information;
- The Media, Image and Expression programme affords opportunities for learners to express themselves creatively and assertively and build their self-esteem;
- Health and Leadership programmes ensure HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and broader health awareness and voluntary testing provides learners with the information and VCT services they need to manage their health.
Learners enrolled in the programme have access to over 300 hours of tutoring & workshops per year as well as a two-week winter school programme.
By participating in these programmes in afternoons after school, on Saturday mornings and during the school holidays, ikamvanites are empowered to take their futures into their own hands.
Since our inception, we have replicated our results in 17 township branches around the country. In 2017, our branches support 2,400 learners in Grades 8-12.
From a programme’s perspective our success is measured by the success of our learners and in the last six years:
- 1,120 learners have completed Grade 12;
- 84.3% have passed matric;
- 53% of learners have accessed tertiary (university or college);
- 41% obtained a Bachelor pass enabling access to university;
- 89% accessed a post school opportunity (tertiary, job, learnership or have upgraded their matric) putting them on the path to earning a dignified living
Please contact Alex Smith to find out more about supporting IkamvaYouth: alex@ikamvayouth.org.
By: Tokelo Hlagala
IkamvaYouth Mamelodi launched its library on Thursday in Mamelodi West D6, to promote literacy and a culture of reading to learners in the community. The Mamelodi Branch Coordinator, Neo Rakoma said: “We decided to open the library because we wanted to promote literacy and also promote the culture of reading. Our library is also stocked with books for different schools subjects so that our learners can have different references to help them in their academic development”.
The establishment of the library was facilitated by Progress SA Foundation who help disadvantaged schools with establishing their libraries including science laboratories, after school programs, arts and crafts, sports & sports field and renovation of schools. They donated shelves, facilitated books donations to IkamvaYouth and books were sourced are from Protea Bookshop Hatfield, family & friends. IkamvaYouth also received an incredible donation of 16b books from Credo Book Shop. Coca Cola Beverages South Africa assisted with ensuring that the library was secured by providing a security gate and Micasa Tours donated paint for revamping the branch premises.
The keynote speaker of the day was author Zama Gamede. Zama writes Life Skills books that target high school learners. One of her books, “Minding the Gap Hitchhikers Guide to the Working World”, takes graduates through the journey of the human resources process. The books gives job seekers ideas of what to expect when they enter the world of work.
According to Neo Rakoma, IkamvaYouth feel proud about having the library because they believe that it’s an investment to the future of children.
By: Bongiwe Nkambule
GIRLIGNITE Africa Academy is a youthful brand that uses education for social impact and positive social change. The Academy strives to solve Africa’s challenges by bringing together dynamic and driven African teen girls from across the country to an intensive weekend-away. From Friday the 22nd to Sunday the 24th of September 2017, Girlignite Africa hosted their 3rd Annual Summit at the Sediba Kwele Adventure Lodge, and this year, IkamvaYouth female learners from the Gauteng and North-West Region were invited to be part of this event. The Ikamvanite learners from the Ivory Park, Ikageng and Mamelodi branches attended the Summit and played a part in finding ideas that would sustainably create socio-economic change in their communities, and in turn, help shape Africa’s future.
The 3 day Summit featured interactive workshops, engaging speakers, networking opportunities, outdoor activities and a final round of the Girlignite Africa challenge, whereby groups of girls are given 10 minutes each to pitch their business ideas. GirlIgnite conducts entrepreneurship modules for girls to teach them about the basics of conducting a business and help them to develop a business concept, a business model and a business plan. GirlIgnite also raises funds so that the participants can see their business models come to life. The aim of the annual Summit is to skill the participants and equip them with the necessary tools they will need in life, whether they are employed in corporate, running a business unit or become entrepreneurs.
Our learners were exposed to the topics of entrepreneurship, globalization, team building, project management, leadership and working within a culturally diverse environment.
The Guest speakers: Mr Gabriel Chapara, founder and MD of Mantis Africa P/L Zimbabwe, educated the girls on financial literacy and Miss Naledi Mashego, founder of BlackCherry Media gave a talk on the importance of digital marketing (Social Media) in the advertising of a business.
health and wellness program
The IKAMVAYOUTH tutors were also invited to be trained and assist with the health awareness program by the Directorate of Health and Wellness of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) for 3 days (14th -16th August), the total number of tutors that partook in the program were 10 from the Mamelodi Branch.
The key duties and responsibilities that were performed during the program by the tutors include:
- Condom distribution to the students within the institute of learning (TUT)
- Encouraging the students to visit the health and wellness stands to:
- Check their pulses
- Receive guidance on the importance of why one needs to learn why they must use protection during intercourse, and the mechanics involved in the process
- Visit the testing stations to test for HIV/AIDS, and all the various infections and illnesses pertaining to sexual intimacy
During the week whilst assisting with the health and wellness program, an IkamvaYouth exhibition stand was also put in place to market the organization, the tutors were wearing the IkamvaYouth regalia (shirts and hoodies) as part of the marketing initiative. The marketing was not only for the Mamelodi branch, but for IkamvaYouth as a whole, at its various other branches. Approximately 60 student volunteers were recruited from their respective fields of study, we believe this recruitment will add immensely to the volunteers we currently have, and to the organization at large. Since these recruited tutors are students we believe they will add value critically when it comes to bridging the gaps between highschool and university for our current grade 12 learners and even those in lower grades, as they can offer knowledge and mentorship to the various avenues that the learners may take post matric. Career mentorship is one critical aspect of the organization; we thus pride ourselves in having the right academic tutors who can help lessen the stresses of the learners having to look for information, but having information come to them.
The program was a good initiative in growing the organization, both in marketing for volunteers, and building a relationship with the Directorate of Health and Wellness in the Tshwane University of Technology, with the hope of creating a long partnership which will be mutually beneficial to the two organizations in future.
By: Naledi Mokopakgosi
SUBSTANCE ABUSE SEMINAR & FIRST THINGS FIRST PROGRAM: TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, DIRECTORATE OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The IKAMVAYOUTH Mamelodi tutors attended a Substance Abuse Seminar held at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) on 20th August, organized by the Directorate of Health and Wellness, as means to open up a panel to discuss this issues which most commonly affects young people. The Seminar was attended by more than 200 students and various organizations. It began at around 10:00 whereby the attendees were first treated to breakfast, the guests were formally welcomed by the event organizers. The key reasons for the substance abuse seminar include the following:
- To define in detail what substance abuse is
- To engage and comprehend about the punishments for various uses of illegal drugs
- To get in detail the symptoms of substance abuse
- To address the causes leading to substance abuse
- To formulate solutions to gunner the issue, especially amongst youth, those in academics
- To give information on how and where to receive help for the issue
‘’I have absolutely no pleasure in the stimulants in which I sometimes so badly indulge, it has not been in the pursuit of pleasure that I have periled life and reputation and reason, it has been the desperate attempt to escape from torturing memories, from a sense of insupportable loneliness and a dread of some strange impending doom” Edgar Allan one of the keynote speakers.
Summary of the key information gleaned from the Seminar
Substance abuse, also referred to as drug abuse, is a patterned utilization of drugs in which the user consumes the substance in large quantities, or with methods that may be harmful to them or those around them. Some of the commonly abused substances / drugs are; heroin, cocaine, crack, alcohol, hallucinogens, and marijuana, and they respectively have their various punishment methodologies by law according to whether you are a user or distributor (sellers). Young people are the common victims of substance abuse. In order to help the sick we first must go back in time and recover their medical history, and begin to try and thoroughly fathom what is causing the chaos / dilemma, and this too must be applied to the subject matter in hand, before we begin to lambaste, criticize, or even attempt to help those that are victims of this issue we need to first find the roots of the matter, the causes behind why one is abusing drugs.
There are certain life circumstances more especially in young people, or young users which are the leading factors of substance abuse. Drug abuse is often said to be related to peer pressure, but it is important to note one fundamental factor which is prominent in drug abuse, far more brutal than peer pressure, the fact that drugs are utilized to serve as an escape from the world of reality, trying to escape from the reality of an abusive parent, an abusive spouse, financial burdens, the perceived world of lack of success, an unstable household and many more. Of scientific evidence that probably leads to drug abuse there is so far insufficient information to raise or make a concrete case that neuroscience, or genetics somehow have a role to play.
Our surroundings have a huge impact on the kinds of people we become, it influences our codes of conduct, and what we perceive as a prosperous or the ideal life, media hence being one of the platforms in which we acquire most of our information has too added fuel to the subject matter, young people often model what they see on TV, from their role models, and quite often our media promotes the use of drugs both directly and indirectly, be it through music and or through movies / TV Series. So, media has been spotted as one of the factors contributing to this social ill.
In order to tackle the issue of drug abuse we thus need to contemplate and thoroughly comprehend the above mentioned causes and those not mentioned, the leading indicators leading to substance abuse. There are various organizations that have a mandate of helping those that are going through the challenge of substance abuse.
Amongst some of the speakers we had:
- Tshwane Metropolitan: who supplied information on the various forms of illegal drugs which are commonly used in society; the types of punishment that is associated with each respective form of illegal drug, and the judicial process which partakes when one is found using drugs, in possession, or selling them. Information and examples were given on some of the cases the metropolitans have had to deal with or are dealing with. They further stretched why engaging in drugs is dangerous and often joins with other forms of crimes.
- Howard Zondo (motivational speaker and IKAMVAYOUTH Grade 12 Learner): Howard being a grade 12 learner and an author gave a talk about drug abuse from a viewpoint of not only of a learner, not only a young person, but that of a leader in society. He incorporated the effects of drug abuse to a variety of elements in our society, more especially in poor communities, such being the issue of unemployment, lack of knowledge pertaining the subject matter, and he further communicated to the students that, as academics they have a pivotal role in society in curbing the issue of drug abuse amongst the many social ills that society is faced with, that they need to take a leadership role in making our communities a desirable place to reside in.
Some of the key questions asked during the Question and Answers session:
- What are the common symptoms of drug abuse?
- Do women and men have the same alcohol tolerance?
- How do we de-associate fun with alcohol?
- How do certain cultural practices lead to drug abuse amongst youth?
- Which organizations help those with drug abuse problems?
- How much alcohol consumption is allowable for someone to drive after drinking?
A great deal of knowledge was spread amongst the attendees pertaining to the issue of drug abuse, amongst the many things that stood out from the event was the talk and motivation bestowed to the attendees by Howard Zondo, he left the crowd amused as to what it means to walk the walk and talk the talk, to be a leader, a change in perception resulted from the event for most of the attendees. A great deal of social norms and perceptions were brought to demise by the seminar.
Lloyd Lungu