On the 12th of April 2013, IkamvaYouth KZN hosted its first Careers Indaba, at the Chesterville Youth Centre. The vision of the Career Indaba was to open up new opportunities for school learners, providing them with information regarding the various programs, resources and support structures that are available to them. By educating learners about the choices that are available to them, we sought to empower learners, allowing them to make informed decisions about their futures.
Learners from Umlazi and Chesterville schools flocked to the Centre, eager to learn about the vast opportunities open to them after they matriculate. Learners had an opportunity to visit various exhibiter stalls, as well as workshops presented by the Durban University of Technology, Varsity College, Eskom, and IkamvaYouth volunteers. Learners were asked about what they had gained/learned from having participated in this event, and if their career choices had changed in any way, this is what a few had to say:
“… when I chose to be a teacher I did not know about other careers, so now that I have learned I have many choices…” – Siphiwo Memela, Gr 9. Chesterville Extension Secondary
“… I wanted to become a lwayer, however looking at the subjects, needed, I changed it.” – Zamokuhle Shezi, Grade 12. Bonela Secondary
“Yes, I think it did and what caused it was the interesting technological and science things I saw from the Eskom team. It really drew a lot of my attention.” Zinhle Mvesa, Grade 11. KwaMathanda High
This event was made possible by the generous donation by Jeffares & Green, an environmental and environmental consulting company based just a few kilometres from the Centre. Jeffares & Green did not just splash money at the event, they actively participated by having representatives present the whole day, who spoke to learners about careers in the environmental management and engineering fields. It’s really fantastic to see the involvement of local businesses in community initiatives such as this.
Thanks also go to ABI, our Umlazi branch funders, who always step up to assist and participate in activities at both KZN branches. The generous supply of drinks and water went a long way in quenching the thirst of both learners and exhibiters on that hot day. We also had a computer donated by Capitec bank, which was raffled on the day.
David Moshoeshoe, a Grade 12 learner commented that the Careers Indaba “is a good initiative bringing information closer to people…”. For a first time effort in the province, I’d say the KZN team did an outstanding job, and we will definitely be back next year with an even bigger and better Careers Indaba. Watch this space!
My name is Talent Chinogureyi. I am 19 years old. I joined Ikamva Youth in the year 2009 as I was doing grade 9 at Bonela Secondary School in Durban, after my school received an advert from this organization in search of less privileged students from less privileged communities who are passionate about passing in-spite of their financial standing.
I was found worthy enough to partake in this program. Consistently I attended throughout and I really benefited from it.
Since I joined, I noticed a sudden slight increase in my marks in almost all my subjects. Late in grade 9 we were required to choose subjects that we would like to do in grade 10 up to matric. I chose Physical Science, Mathematics, Accounting, and Life Science, alongside English Home Language, IsiZulu and Life Orientation.
These were the subjects that everyone else was running away from because of the failing rates. Well, I told myself that I could do it. With support from my teachers at school and my tutors from Ikamva Youth, I really made it.
I wrote my final exams and passed. Though I got the symbols I wasn’t expecting, considering all the work I put in, but I did passed with a bachelors degree pass, very much better that most of the students I matriculated with.
At Ikamva we had ‘Winter school’ were we engage in some activities, these included career guidance. They did really enlighten me about various careers available out there and what it takes to reach there. They even went ahead in inviting some people who can be our role models and mentors. In really enjoyed it because I had an opportunity to speak one-on-one with someone who is doing it already.
Looking back to my family’s financial instability, I thought I wasn’t going to reach university despite the fact that I passed. I just applied, for the sake of trying my luck. The universities I applied to include, ‘St Augustine College of SA’, which was introduced to me by Thabsile, Ikamva Youth District coordinator.
Just after the results came out, I received a message from this College offering me a place to study BCom(PPE) . I couldn’t accept this offer yet because I didn’t know where the funds were going to come from. Then a week later, I received an email notifying me that I have been given 90% bursary towards my tuitions to study this course, with the accommodation paid for. I was really overwhelmed, I couldn’t believe it because I had already told myself that I wasn’t studying this year at all because I tried to apply for student loans and some bursaries that I knew of, but they couldn’t grant me any because I’m not a South African citizen.
At this College no work is to be submitted hand-written, only typed work is to be submitted. My gratitude goes to Ikamva Youth for one of their programs called ‘Operation Fikelela’, where they taught us how to use computers, right from the basics. Now I do not have any problem concerning my assignments.
“YOU ARE A STAR! YOU HAVE IT IN YOU TO REACH THE TOP! GO FOR IT AND NEVER LOOK BACK!” These were the words from my class teacher – my motivation! Right now, things are not easy at all, university is unlike secondary school, but with these words I’m still upon my two feet.
Last but not least I would like to give God Almighty all the glory for making it possible for me to be where I am right now. Secondly I would like to thank the organization, Ikamva Youth as a whole, not forgetting all my tutors and the coordinator for such an amazing voluntary work, it is really going a long way. I would also like to thank my teachers at Bonela Secondary and everyone else who made me a person I am today. I really understand that in life, no one would make it on his/her own. ‘A PERSON IS A PERSON THROUGH THE PROPAGATION OF OTHER PEOPLE.’
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).
Right now, learners all across the country are either celebrating or commiserating after receiving their matric results. And the national numbers seem to suggest that whether matriculants are partying or weeping has a lot to do with their level of economic privilege and the resources of their schools.
But in townships around South Africa, a very special group of matriculants with a whole lot of reasons to celebrate are bucking that trend, and proving that the seemingly impossible is possible with hard work and a little help from one’s friends.
These young people are the ikamvanites, and this week they overcame all the challenges of their circumstances to achieve a national pass rate of 89% and an incredible 100% pass rate in both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal – results far more privileged learners would be proud of!
Those aren’t just 30% passes either: 87% of ikamvanites achieved the Bachelor or Diploma passes they need to take their education to the next level and access the kinds of opportunities they need to fulfil their dreams of supporting and uplifting their families. Most remarkable of all, these learners aren’t waiting to uplift their communities, and 72% have already become volunteer tutors for the next cohorts of learners; ensuring the exponential replication of the IkamvaYouth model and reach.
Mamphela Ramphele reports that she’s thrilled to witness IkamvaYouth’s incredible growth and enormous impact. “IkamvaYouth saves learners from despair and grinding poverty and most importantly gives them hope… the organisaton’s sustainable model, extra-ordinary commitment and exceptional results inspire our nation.”
Talent Chinogureyi, an ikamvanite in Chesterville, KZN, enthused, “I want to go to university and study further so that when I graduate I can be the one to eradicate poverty at home.” She achieved a Bachelor pass and a distinction for Accounting and has been accepted to study a B Com at prestigious private Johannesburg institution St Augustine College.
At the Masiphumelele branch of IkamvaYouth in the Western Cape, one learner overcame even more hardship than most. “The majority of people tend to think that once you have fallen pregnant, it is the end of the world. I have proved to them that there is still hope. Through all the hardships, I made it. I got a Bachelor pass… I say B for my Baby,” said Neliswa Mnaheni, who hopes to study Marketing next year.
While this has been a time of celebration for most ikamvanites, it has been very challenging for some. Thankfully, everyone that did not pass is eligible for supplementary exams, and IkamvaYouth will be supporting these learners to ensure that they are well-prepared to excel. Others were traumatised by the ongoing illegal practice of withholding results due to unpaid school fees or outstanding textbooks. While IkamvaYouth was able to step in and support families with school fee contributions thanks to its donors, there are thousands of learners across the country who do not have access to this kind of support. “The no-fees-no-report practice is unjust, humiliating and illegal and needs to end”, says Joy Olivier, director of IkamvaYouth. “Our learners need these results in order to realise their dreams and schools need alternative avenues to access much-needed funds”.
IkamvaYouth’s work with the class of 2012 is also far from over. While many of those who passed have already been accepted by the country’s top universities, there is still work to be done to ensure that none of the class of 2012 become unemployed. The next step is ensuring that all these learners access tertiary education, training, internships, learnerships or employment. “IkamvaYouth will continue to support all our 2012 matrics as they access quality post-school opportunities and become tutors; enabling the following years’ learners to do the same,” says Zamo Shongwe, IkamvaYouth’s national coordinator.
IkamvaYouth invites everyone to get involved. There are branches in the Western Cape (Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Masiphumelele); KZN (Chesterville and Umlazi) and Gauteng (Ivory Park, and Ebony Park), North West (a new branch opening in Potchefstroom) and the Eastern Cape (a new branch opening in Grahamstown). IkamvaYouth has maintained a matric pass rate of between 85 and 100% each year since 2005, and true credit for these results must go to the learners, volunteers, the branch teams, partner organisations and donors.
The solutions and innovations that will change the world – the cure for AIDS, technologies that will curb environmental destruction, art that unites and inspires – are inside young minds. Young minds that need an education so that these solutions can be developed and tapped. Sadly, most South African youth are enrolled in schools that struggle with the basics – from textbook distribution to learner safety – and so are denied the kind of education that engenders problem solving, innovation and leadership.
However, there is a fast-growing group of young people who refuse to be hopeless or overwhelmed. They are the ikamvanites: learners, tutors and social entrepreneurs who’ve developed an innovative solution to the problems of poor academic achievement and low access to tertiary education. Today, their branches in Gauteng and KZN are celebrating their 100% pass rate and 56% bachelor passes. Overall, 91% have achieved the bachelor or diploma passes they need to access tertiary education. Many ikamvanites excelled (22 distinctions achieved so far overall). “Education is the only thing that can catapult me, a daughter of a domestic worker, into the position where I can make gigantic improvements in our country and continent, by stimulating entrepreneurship, promoting education and tackling crime,” says Ntebaleng Morake, who achieved four distinctions. She’s been accepted at both Wits and UCT and will be studying Law and Politics next year.
The branches are celebrating their results with learners, tutors and parents. “IkamvaYouth has been incredible in helping my child to achieve so much at school. I am so happy today. Now- she has been accepted in three places- and we are confused what option she will take, though I know there are some out there who do not have even one option. Thank you, IkamvaYouth!” enthused Mrs Makhubele.
The Western Cape results will only be available either later this afternoon (according to WCED website) or tomorrow (according to the DBE). However, learners are currently arriving at the branches in Nyanga, Makhaza and Khayelitsha to share their results with their fellow ikamvanites and celebrating their bright futures.
“We’re very proud of all the learners and tutors and thankful to IkamvaYouth’s supporters who enable these life-changing results”, says Sbusiso Kumalo, board member of IkamvaYouth and head of Capitec’s Corporate Affairs. The tutors who help the learners to reach these heights are all volunteers. Most are university students and many are ex-learners from IkamvaYouth. They’re also the organisation’s greatest benefactors: this year, ikamvanites will be delivering the equivalent of well over 7 million rands’ worth of tutoring time to learners in nine townships in five provinces. The result of this phenomenal investment is an intensive, high quality programme that offers ongoing individual attention and support to learners for between R5k and R6k per learner per year.
IkamvaYouth is a by-youth, for-youth volunteer-driven initiative that was established in 2003 and has since been expanding across the country. There are no academic prerequisites for enrollment in the programme, which is free of charge. Most learners join with abysmal academic results and are from impoverished homes with unemployed caregivers. The impact of the programme is phenomenal. As Asanele Swelindawo, an orphan who managed to get three distinctions, says, “I now have the ticket to improve my life and one day be able to take care of my family”.
The full national results will be released once data from the Western Cape is available. IkamvaYouth sends an open invitation to all who want to join in the celebrations at their branches.
CONTACTS:
National Coordinator: Zamo Shongwe; zamo@ikamvayouth.org; +27837347246
Western Cape Coordinator: Liesel Bakker: liesel@ikamvayouth.org +27798854372
Gauteng Coordinator: Patrick Mashanda: patrick@ikamvayouth.org; +27 74 673 1215
KZN Coordinator: Thabisile Seme: thabisile@ikamvayouth.org; +27 716109838
Monday, 10th December 2012: Excited Ikamva Youth learners from Umlazi and Chesterville were treated to a set of presentations by Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI) in Phoenix Business Park. ABI is the leading distributor of Coca-Cola products in the southern hemisphere. ABI is a firm supporter and sponsor of the Ikamva initiative. Ikamvanites were informed about the working of the company, the respective responsibilities of the various departments, and the career opportunities available at ABI. Staff members of ABI provided important information and advice to students about study trajectories that would afford them a chance to work for a company like ABI. Learners were responsive and posed a number of questions to the speakers and expressed interest in pursuing careers at ABI. A lovely lunch was had, after a tour of ABI’s factory floor.
Some of the staff who gave presentations about their different departments
Learners and tutors listening tentatively to the advice offered by the ABI staff.
Lunch is served!
Lloyd Lungu