A morning of fun, hard work and victory
On Saturday, 30 September, the Nyanga tutors and staff embarked on a journey to hike up Lion’s Head in Cape Town. The Lion’s Head mountain peak is best known for its rocky and somewhat steep hiking trail. It also overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and provides great views of Cape Town. The group was armed with water, Powerade and fruit for the journey ahead. At 7am, the hike began just as the morning sun was starting to warm up. There were both feelings of excitement and anxiety amongst the group. The trail started off on a very steep note and it soon became clear that things were getting serious.
It did not take long to separate the ‘A’ team from the ‘B’ team. The ‘A’ team maintained a steady lead from the beginning until the end. On the other hand, the ‘B’ team made sure to take regular breaks and to soak in the beautiful Cape Town scenery. It was also quite a busy morning on the trail, with many groups going up and coming down. This was a source of inspiration for the team; especially when the journey seemed to be getting tougher.
One of the biggest challenges of the day was overcoming one’s own fears. It was the will to continue pushing yourself even when your legs were telling you to give up. If you were not able to push yourself, team members stepped in to motivate you to continue going forward, no matter how hard it seemed.
We are proud to announce that every Ikamvanite made it to the summit. The hike itself was mentally and physically challenging, more so for those of us who do not exercise on a regular basis. It was through teamwork, mutual support and guidance that each of us were able to make it all the way to the top. The moment of victory was indeed sweet.
After basking in our individual and group victory, it was time to head down again. For most of the team, going down the peak was even more challenging than going up. However, with continued support from each other, we all made it safely down. No member was left behind or left to fend for themselves at any point.
As a teambuilding activity, the hike achieved and surpassed all the expected outcomes. The Ikamvanites started and finished as a team. One of the tutors used a quote by Nelson Mandela to describe their journey: “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. This is indeed true for all of us who accepted the challenge. The Nyanga branch challenges other branch tutors to take this journey!!
At the GirlEng #AskAnEngineer workshop on 20 May, 23 of our Grade 9, 10 and 11s:
- Heard first-hand stories from engineering students and engineers about their various fields of engineering and how they decided to choose engineering as a career e.g. electrical, civil, chemical and mechanical engineering.
- Found out more about the various options available and what is needed to study engineering.
- Met with mentors and sponsors that could assist them in furthering a career in engineering
IkamvaYouth particularly thank Danielle Hendricks and Mvumekazi Socwayi for accompanying the learners.
Choosing a career and the studies to reach a professional goal is not an easy one for High School learners.
Therefore, Matric learners had the opportunity to attend the UCT, UWC and CPUT Open days.
The learners were excited and energetic to be on Campus accompanied by their mentors and tutors. They got a chance talk to University students, professionals and lecturers about careers and courses offered in all three institutions.
We address a special thank you to the following tutors and mentors for having availed their time and passion on these days: Mvumekazi Sogcwayi,Okuhle Beyaphi, Phumza Kibi,Avile Mabhengu,Thulisa Mayekiso, Sivuyisiwe Mbede, Alison Walker, Lucia Toich, Siyolisi Bani, Yolanda Sigodi, Sinenjongo Ngxameleni, Thabiso Sekwati Ngapo, Mapule Puleng, Thobela Bixa and Khululwa Nkatshu.
After having spent a week in their respective high schools, the Matrics spent 3 days at the branch practicing together.
Thursday was the time to relax and breathe. Discovering about weather forecast, sea rescue, maritime maps and careers ensuring the operation of a lighthouse.
IY would like to particularly thank Mvumekazi Sogcwayi, Celeste Helm and Jacques Dondo for their precious support to the learners.
Watching their delighted faces as they entered the gates of CPUT and UWC brought nothing but joy to my heart. This is a dream coming true and the beginning of greater things for all of them.
Knowing that the future is in their hands, IkamvaYouth learners from Masiphumelele walked bravely to all the faculties’ stalls, showing huge interest; looking for courses that best suit them and asking the exhibitors all the right questions. The learners gathered as much information as they could and went home with an idea of what they would like to study after passing matric this year. From the smiles on their faces, one could tell that they were happy and ready for the next step.
Thank you to CPUT and UWC for being so accommodating, the learners went home with some goodies – handy backpacks and lip balm ?. Our Grade 12 Masinites took the first step and acted on their dreams of pursuing their studies at their desired university. Nothing can hold them back.
With this can-do attitude and enthusiasm towards education, poverty will be bypassed and chances of employment will rise ,together with our rising youngsters.
So go on, DARE to dream BIG!!!
As the great Malcolm X once said “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. Ikamvanites from greater Midrand region, Ebony and Ivory Park, took a golden step in ensuring that the eventuality will inevitably become reality. IkamvaYouth Midrand branches graced the shores of The University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus for an informative career guidance expo which was aimed at exposing learners to different courses and career fields to follow.
Ikamvanites in grade 11 and 12 wanted to know and understand what their journey still entails and how to go about reaching their ultimate goals and it was also an opportunity for them to recharge their batteries. What better way to start the proceedings than with an introductory presentation about the culture of the university and challenges that are associated with being a student in the University! One of the main challenges the youth of South Africa are facing is lack of funding. The presentation accentuated on the fact that funding may not be a barrier for high school students if they have good marks. The University advises learners to study hard and follow their passion and they will prevail. Ikamvanites and other peers from different schools and regions had the opportunity to get more information on merit bursaries and sources of funding available to them.
A number of departments exhibited on the day including the Faculty of Humanities, Law, Management, Engineering and Economic and Financial Sciences which gave Ikamvanites a whole lot of information for their benefit. Personal breakthrough observations were made, with a majority of the Ikamvanites becoming certain of their career paths. Tsakani Sambo one of the Ikamvanites said “ The career expo was exactly what I needed, It exposed me to a whole new world and careers I never thought existed, IT business management is what hit deep in my heart”. Experience is the best teacher, consequently in our efforts to continue changing the lives of Ikamvanites it is essential that we expose them to the jungle so as when they go to hunt, it is not a foreign land to them. Aluta continua victoria acerta.
Lloyd Lungu