This year’s Winter School in Gauteng was one with a difference, with the theme 10 Years- My IkamvaYouth, My Future!! Not only were we celebrating IkamvaYouth at 10 years but we were also celebrating all the plans and hopes that we had for this Winter School. For the Winter School 2013 ‘official opening’, we were graced by Anastasia Peters Francis, from the Absa CSI department. Anastasia elaborated on Absa’s commitment to youth empowerment, among other CSI initiatives. She encouraged the learners to give their best, even as Absa believes the IkamvaYouth learners across the country are well able to pass. Absa funded Winter School costs for six IkamvaYouth branches across the country. Concluding with Susan Boyle’s YouTube video, and sharing her story of fighting cancer, she charged the learners not to lose hope, but to become the best that they could be during this Winter School. Excitement filled the hall as learners paid attention to every single word spoken by the Absa representative. Pankie Rapholo, an Ikamvanite who matriculated in 2012, and who is now studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Johannesburg told his story on how such programmes as the Winter School had made it possible for him to pass. “Anything is possible,” were the words that came out from both speakers.
The next ten days were managed in an orderly manner with learners starting off their day with either compulsory Maths or English fundamentals. There was a huge presence of tutors who came to support and help the learners. Tutoring took place right until lunch-time and those who were eager to continue after that were given the room to do so whilst food was being served. One of the tutors, Mbali Dlamini, had this to say; “I would rather spend my university vacation with the learners than spend my time sitting on my couch watching TV.”
We were visited by Love Life from the Tembisa Region every afternoon and these representatives would take all the learners through fun youth-minded building activities such as HIV/AIDS Awareness, Body Awareness, Identity, Life Skills, Singing and Dancing. LoveLife’s Making My Move Programme was an action-oriented, personal discovery programme which the learners quickly got hooked to. Making My Move was a young people’s call to action for personal growth and development. The programme took young people through a process of identifying and pursuing opportunities for their own personal growth and development.
We were also visited by Standard Bank on Wednesday the 26th of June as they came to give all our tutors a financial literacy workshop. Financial literacy is the ability to understand how money works in the world: how someone manages to earn or make it, how that person manages it, how he/she invests it and how that person donates it to help others. More specifically, it refers to the set of skills and knowledge that allows an individual to make informed and effective decisions with all of their financial resources. Raising interest in personal finance is now a focus of Standard Bank and this was a little way of appreciating our tutors- by availing free personal financial management training.
Our Career Expo was a huge success with many exhibitors spending the day with the Ikamvanites as well as the community at large. Workshops were held out throughout the day and were open to anyone and everyone who was interested in knowing more. Many tertiary institutions availed learners with information on their requirements, and the various study fields. Companies present availed information on what it will take for the learner to be working with them in the years ahead. Absa had a mobile bank to help learners to open bank accounts.
Capitec bank came through on Wednesday the 3rd of July to conduct Financial Skills Workshops with all our Grade 11s and 12s. The learners were exposed to a world that they had never been to before. This information was further pressed onto the learners by Tzu Chi who brought in their representative, Shelton Chadya, who spoke to the learners about saving for tertiary and planning for their educational future. It is evident that IkamvaYouth is a great place to gain knowledge and our learners are more informed to make decisions that will impact the rest of their lives.
The 5th of July was the day the learners all went out for the much awaited for excursion. The day was filled with much fun and excitement as most of the learners had never been outside of Midrand. Freedom Park in Pretoria was the first destination for the day, where the Tour Guides told us that, ” The mandate of Freedom Park was the creation of a memorial and monument that will narrate a story spanning a period of 3.6 billion years through the following seven epochs: Earth, Ancestors, Peopling, Resistance and Colonisation, Industrialisation and Urbanisation, Nationalism and Struggle, Nation Building and Continent Building; as well as the Garden of Remembrance to acknowledge those that contributed to the freedom of the country.” It is also home to the Wall of names – an awe-inspiring structure (697m), inscribed with the names of those who died during eight conflicts within South Africa’s history.
Our last stop of the day was Union Buildings which form the official seat of the South African Government and also houses the offices of the president of South Africa. They have a beautiful park on the premises and that is where we had lunch and gave out our certificates of appreciation and collages to all the tutors.
We want to continue to appreciate all the hard work put into this year’s Winter School. The learners are all very thankful for being given such awesome experiences, and are so grateful to our sponsors, staff and tutors. We look forward to next year!
After the wonderful first week of Masiphumelele Winter School, both learners and tutors were expecting more from our colorful workshops for the second week. We have had some new workshops this week covering interesting topics as Environmental Protection, Sexual Violence, Academic Writing, Debate, and more. On Thursday, learners wowed the tutors with their ability to craft intelligent arguments in a short amount of time during the Debate workshop. In Academic Writing, we learned about Plagiarism and how to correctly cite sources in our writing.
We were lucky to have Black Sash, an organization works to advance equality, social justice and human rights to give a special workshop on some key social problems. Wire Works with Frederick gave learners an opportunity to use wires and beads to create works of art. Other learners went to Fish Hoek beach to clean and recycle garbage.
Beyond these sessions, learners also participated in some workshops more focused on their own future. CPUT Engineering Department and Stellenbosch University came to our Winter School to introduce their academic programs and encourage some learners to apply. Capitec Bank held a whole-morning session on Tuesday to give career guidance, CV skills and financial knowledge to our young learners. And on Wednesday, Inspired Inc gave a very passionate speech on having a vision and dream for one’s life. Learners tried to project their vision and their plan to reach that vision. We love these sessions, because Winter School is not only about academic progress, but also about equipping our learners for the future and empowering them to reach their dreams.
Learners also concluded the week by taking time to write thank you notes to those who have helped make this week possible, including Pick n Pay (who provided our lunches!) and False Bay College (who provided the venue for our Winter School!). As we look forward to our Talent Show with the other Ikamva Youth branches tomorrow, we are grateful and happy for a great two weeks of learning and growing alongside one another. One of our tutors, Lauren, put it well when she said,
“Winter School is designed not only to inspire the kids but also to inspire tutors to continue our work to put them on a path towards a better life. If one of these students can succeed in that task, I’ll know that I’ve done my job.”
After the wonderful first week of Masiphumelele Winter School, both learners and tutors were expecting more from our colorful workshops for the second week. We have had some new workshops this week covering interesting topics as Environmental Protection, Sexual Violence, Academic Writing, Debate, and more. On Thursday, learners wowed the tutors with their ability to craft intelligent arguments in a short amount of time during the Debate workshop. In Academic Writing, we learned about Plagiarism and how to correctly cite sources in our writing.
We were lucky to have Black Sash, an organization works to advance equality, social justice and human rights to give a special workshop on some key social problems. Wire Works with Frederick gave learners an opportunity to use wires and beads to create works of art. Other learners went to Fish Hoek beach to clean and recycle garbage.
Beyond these sessions, learners also participated in some workshops more focused on their own future. CPUT Engineering Department and Stellenbosch University came to our Winter School to introduce their academic programs and encourage some learners to apply. Capitec Bank held a whole-morning session on Tuesday to give career guidance, CV skills and financial knowledge to our young learners. And on Wednesday, Inspired Inc gave a very passionate speech on having a vision and dream for one’s life. Learners tried to project their vision and their plan to reach that vision. We love these sessions, because Winter School is not only about academic progress, but also about equipping our learners for the future and empowering them to reach their dreams.
Learners also concluded the week by taking time to write thank you notes to those who have helped make this week possible, including Pick n Pay (who provided our lunches!) and False Bay College (who provided the venue for our Winter School!). As we look forward to our Talent Show with the other Ikamva Youth branches tomorrow, we are grateful and happy for a great two weeks of learning and growing alongside one another. One of our tutors, Lauren, put it well when she said,
“Winter School is designed not only to inspire the kids but also to inspire tutors to continue our work to put them on a path towards a better life. If one of these students can succeed in that task, I’ll know that I’ve done my job.”
Nyanga Winter School 2013 came to an end on a high note as learners took time to give votes of thanks to the tutors and the workshop facilitators who provided 25 different workshops over the past 10 days.
Week 2 has been abuzz with activity as learners participated in more tutoring in the various school subjects and in more workshops, in Physics and Chemistry, Technology & Engineering, Business & Entrepreneurship, leadership, health and life skills, creative expression, the environment and media & journalism.
Live Magazine spoke to the learners about youth involvement at the magazine. Learners accessed useful career guidance information, namely that they can intern with Live Magazine for a period of 6 months post-Matric, before moving on to either tertiary education or employment. The group also made videos of themselves interviewing one another, which was both a fun and educational activity.
The Physical Sciences learners participated in what has become IYWC’s annual Chemistry experiments workshop at UCT, organised and run by board member, Thobela Bixa. The young chemists did a workshop on temperature and the rate of reaction, with the assistance of their tutors, who helped them throughout the process.
ERM also came and did a stimulating workshop on how to conserve the environment. Learners made colourful green-charts where they outlined their unique understanding on conserving the natural environment.
Werner Myburgh of Sunstep Technologies conducted Technology experiments and the learners made sonic alarms and amplifiers. This was a fascinating workshop for learners; one of whom said that it was exciting for her to see a real functioning alarm emerge from the work of her hands.
Nyanganites also got to benefit from IY’s value of paying-it-forward, as former Nyanganite, Unathi Basoni came to conduct a Business and Entrepreneurship workshop, where he spoke about finances in the home environment. He spoke to the learners about the different social grants available to citizens and the different ways of accessing grant payouts. This workshop was really useful and relevant to the learners as social grants are a source of income in many of their households.
SACTWU conducted a very informative workshop on HIV and AIDS, with free HIV counseling and testing afterwards. More than 50 learners got tested and one of the learners said the following to Tamara, who conducted the tests:
‘’I am very grateful that you came to teach us about HIV and to give us tests because people don’t talk to us about getting tested and how to keep ourselves from getting HIV. ‘’
The Safety Lab came to conduct Safety Awareness workshops in light of the high crime rates in Nyanga and surrounding areas, where our learners are predominantly from. This opened the platform up for learners to speak about their experiences with crime and violence in the community, and engage collectively, with the assistance of other youth who are working towards making the communities a safer place.
All in all, it has been a great Winter School and our Nyanga thanks all its partners and collaborators who have made this year’s Winter School a success.
We greatly value all the workshops you provided for the learners during this time and look forward to collaborating again in the near and distant future.
It was a winter day, we were blessed with beautiful, warm and clear weather; when the IkamvaYouth career expo took center stage during the IkamvaYouth Winter School program in Gauteng at our Ebony Park branch. IkamvaYouth during this expo hosted over four hundred students who are learners registered with the organization; as well as the community of Ebony Park and Ivory Park.
Upon arrival around 08:45, exhibition stands from different institutions had already been put up. I even asked myself if these different institutions slept over at our center or what; as they had arrived so early in the morning. The great news was that they were all ready to give information and education needed most by our youth. The Career Expo and the entire IkamvaYouth Winter School program could have not been such a success, if it was not for an equally dedicated team of IkamvaYouth staff and volunteer/tutors.
I entered through the gates of IkamvaYouth centre in the Ebony Park branch, for a moment I forgot that I was in a township. I mean, we had exhibitors from many organizations and institutions that I am sure will share valuable information and knowledge with our leaners and the Ebony Park community at large. Learners looking lovely in their school uniforms from surrounding schools such as Tsosoloso High School; Midrand High school; Oracle High School; Eqinisweni High School; Umqhele High School; Ivory Park High School; and Kaalfontein High School. Charming friendly and energetic IkamvaYouth staff and volunteer/tutors were ready to facilitate and co-ordinate the Career Expo.
I would not name drop, but because of the special and welcoming speech Modjadji (Branch Assistant from the Ivory Park branch) made; I just had to name drop. She said something that really appealed to me, in her words “Knowledge is for us to share”. So I bit my fingers and ensured that leaners got the information if not from me, then from the many exhibitors we had at this Career Expo.
It is sad to hear that Zandile, Branch Coordinator from Ivory Park branch, is leaving us soon, for Japan. Wishing her success in her future, it is inspiring to see youth making moves and going international. Though she is needed at IkamvaYouth, it is only right for us to allow her to spread her wings and follow her dreams. An emotional farewell speech she made- truly she will be missed. After the official opening of the Expo round ten o’clock learners got the opportunity to visit exhibition stands.
Leaners were ushered in different teams headed by one volunteer, to the many different exhibition stands. Every thirty minutes throughout the day, leaners would be lead back inside the hall, to listen to informational presentations from tertiary institutions and private organizations. Absa, one of our sponsors, gave a presentation about their services and career opportunities learners can take advantage of.
University of Witwatersrand also made a presentation about careers available at the university and how to apply at the university. Dr Kubeka from the University of Johannesburg gave an educational session about choosing subjects in High School, and career decisions.
Going through the exhibition stands with a team of learners I was responsible for was fun. Wits University was exhibiting; PC Training and Damelin College as well. A stand from College Campus and Boston Media House was also in the area. Mindset Learning channel 319 on DSTV was present and even recorded some of the learners who sent shout-outs to their families and friends. Central Johannesburg College were exhibiting as well as MSC College. Open Window had me wishing for a career in visual media and TPG College also came. National Heritage Council also came, as always we have been blessed with the presence of the Tzu Chi Foundation.
Before I could even admit I was hungry, it was lunch time. Amazing how time flies when you having fun. We are very grateful to ABI for providing refreshments. After eating, I really felt like I could lie down and enjoy some rest; but oh no, learning still continued. After lunch then walking with my learners we visited some more exhibition stands before I led them back inside the hall for more presentations. We then listened to a presentation from Consulting Engineers South Africa; they really made a career in engineering interesting. Harambee an employment agency made their presentations; myself and other community members had the chance to register our names on their employment seekers database. I am glad I came.
Open Window College and College Campus closed off the presentations after three o’clock. It has been a lovely and informational day for me, learners and the community of Ebony Park. The Career Expo has been a success and I am certain the same could be said about the entire IkamvaYouth Winter School program. What more can I say Ikamvanites, we did it again, and will continue doing it. IkamvaYouth the future truly is in our hands!!
Week two of Makhaza Winter School has come to an end. What an amazing experience it has been for the learners. Learners and tutors have participated in numerous tutoring sessions, including workshops and excursions.
Tutoring sessions included subjects such as, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, History, Accounting, and Economics etc. Grade 8 learners indicated English and Technology as their most difficult subjects, since last week they have shown improvement with these subjects and were given numerous exercises to put what they have learned into practice. Grade 9 learners were focused on science this week and wrote an assessment test in which they performed very well. Grade 10 has been doing science and commerce subjects since the previous week. They have written Physics and Mathematics tests and have shown great improvement in these topics. Grade 11 learners have been attending Computer Literacy classes and did Chemistry in one of the science laboratories at UCT, which was a great experience for them and made them much more passionate about going to tertiary after school.
Reel Lives
This week touched on various topics that brought in great discussions as the learners could relate to these issues. Topics like HIV, Drugs, Rape, Poverty, Motherhood were discussed with audio and visual presentations. One of the students said, “I feel lucky to be a part of this workshop. I have learnt a lot about the reasons why these issues still exist. Most of us here have been affected by such problems and now we know how to not fall in these traps.”
Trip to the Jewish Museum
Learners were taken to the Jewish Museum this week and it was truly a refreshing experience. It came as a surprise to learn that a lot of learners did not have much knowledge about the Jewish culture and their history. The group learnt about Holocaust, Judaism, formation of Israel and the life of Jewish people in the modern society, as well as how what happened many years ago in far away countries have lessons to teach us about Xenephobia and violence in our own country.
Save our Seas
Cape Town being a coastal city makes it really important for our learners to understand the importance of our marine and world ecosystem. Learners were given information about the life that exists in the water and the importance of plants and animals that it’s a habitat too. There was a long discussion and information on sharks. Points like they are not as dangerous as people think and how they can be saved from extinction were discussed.
HIV Testing
South African’s have been hugely affected by the problem of HIV. The only way to get rid of this problem is making youth aware of this. Learners voluntarily went through the HIV testing. They were given important points on how to avoid getting the infection, the latest discoveries and remedies that have changed the way HIV affects us today and the myths people have about HIV. The learners raised a lot of important points and they seemed satisfied by the information they received and how it will help them in future.
Mandisi Gladile, a ex learner and long term committed tutor had to say this about the winter school. “The winter school for this year I feel was uniquely incredible. It was a positive and a productive two week-program packaged for both learners and tutors to take home. I am pretty much convinced that all our ikamvanites are a step ahead than they were before in terms of understanding their school work better and also the exposure to various interesting activities that this program presented to them, and for me personally as a tutor it was once again a great honor being part of all of this.”
And finally it was disappointing to realize that the winter school has come to an end. The learner-mentor relationship that the tutors built with the learners was heart warming. At the end, we all wish that the learners benefitted from the winter school that will help them to excel in the exams.
Lloyd Lungu