IKAMVAYOUUUTTHHH!!!
IkamvaYouth Mamelodi hosted its Open Day on the 30th of January 2016, with the aim of celebrating our 2015 Matriculants and encouraging our 2016 learners.
The branch recognised the Matriculants who did well in their respective studies and Ofentse Keitshepile Mokgoshi from Mamelodi High school received the first prize. Sipho Matola from J.Kekana Secondary school and Karabo Malemone from Gatang Secondary received most outstanding learner awards respectively and Sipho Matola gave a testimony on behalf of the Grade 12s.We also had a parent, Mrs Veronica Maake who spoke about her child, Donald Mosuoe, who passed Grade 11 in 2015 to join the 2016 Matrics.
Ms Akhona Sishuba from ABI addressed the learners and spoke about the support that ABI provides to IkamvaYouth and the sort of results that ABI encourages the learners to achieve. Ms Sophia Makweya from the Gauteng Department of Education encouraged our Ikamvanites and confirmed that the department will continue to support the Mamelodi branch.
Our guests were entertained by Mpho Frank Masetlane, who recited a motivational poem for the learners.
(Pic) from left Kagiso Monyatsi, Mamelodi Branch Coordinator; Akhona Sishuba ,A.B.I CSI Coordinator Mamelodi; Karabo Malemone the 2015 Matric with his mother, Nurse Malemone; Ms Sophia Makweya, Gauteng Department of Education Life Orientation HOD and Ditiro Huma, Gauteng District Coordinator
IkamvaYouth is a beacon of hope for the youth in Mamelodi, especially for those who never thought anything good could come out of their township.
IkamvaYouth Mamelodi is excited about the level of support they receive from parents through their regular visits, attendance of branch meetings on progress and their support to the feeder schools such Vlakfountein Secondary school; Mamelodi Secondary school; Modiri Technical High; J.Kekana Secondary school ;Vukani Mawethu secondary and Gatang secondary school.
IkamvaYouth would like to thank the community in Mamelodi and Pretoria for their great support.
To get involved contact Kagiso on : 0746311725 or kagiso@ikamvaYouth.org
Martin Luther King Jnr once said “life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”. On Saturday the 23rd of January 2016, the IkamvaYouth Ebony Park branch hosted it’s annual open day to kick start 2016,welcome parents, learners, volunteer, sponsor(ABI),mentors and further strengthen our brand presence in the Midrand.
Our MC, Mr Welshman Dube launched the day with a prayer,followed by an ice breaker to get everyone settled and later presented the “Funeka’s Story” which outlines how Ikamvayouth continues to assists high school learners with their academics.
Sarika Kisten from ABI explained how proud they are to partner with IkamvaYouth as it uplifts the youth of South Africa through education.Tzu Chi, gave a well-received testimony on education, community involvement and the activities that the Tzu Chi Foundation are involved in.
Percy Mabizela, one of our tutors, gave a motivational talk that focused on important life lessons the youth need to learn and apply from the beginning of the year. In his words “Self-awareness is about knowing your talent, your dreams, strengths and weaknesses.” He emphasised that once people know what they want to become in life, they must make decisions and choices that will bring about positive results.
In addition, two of our current Grade 11 Ikamvanites , Meyahabo Rapholo and Njabulo Mutle recited poems that outlined the importance of education and emphasized it’s benefits.
Kefilwe Maake who join IkamvaYouth in 2014 and obtained 5 distinctions,explained how Ikamvayouth assisted her to achieve these distinctions. Kefilwe extended her gratitude to ABI for the the financial and non-financial assistance the branch continues receive.
“Through with hard work and commitment it is very easy to excel in academics” – Kefilwe Maake
IkamvaYouth awarded learners for their commitment and dedication shown towards their studies. Ikamvanites were awarded for achieving 80% and above for attendance and received certificates for participation in Operation Fikelela through Siyakhula Computer School. Awards for the “learner of the Year”, “most improved learner” and certificates of participation were handed to the deserving learners and ABI further praised the learners who obtained distinctions for their respective subjects. At the end of the ceremony, all IkamvaYouth learners received gifts from IkamvaYouth and backpacks from ABI, to thank them for being part of this educational movement.
2016 has kicked off with a BANG and is set for producing more excellent results.
Ikamva Youth: The future is in our hands.
The IkamvaYouth Joza Branch celebrated the achievements of its learners at the annual open day and prize giving event last Saturday. The awards ranged from those who have demonstrated academic excellence to those who were rewarded for their availability and willingness to help around the branch.
The guest speaker at this year’s event was Ms Monica Canca, the first Joza branch coordinator. Her motivational speech will live long in the memories of all the staff, volunteers, learners and parents present as she repeated that joining IkamvaYouth was “the best decision you will ever make in your life”.
Ms Nocawa Mzembe, a parent of one of the top performing matrics, offered some advice to parents and children alike. “Noba kuyanetha, vuka uye eIkamvaYoutk”, she said encouraging learners to attend the programme whether it is raining or not. She went on to advise parents to give their matric children a break from household chores this year, allowing them more time with their studies. “Whatever happens at the end of the year, your child will know that you had given them all the support that you could,” she said.
The Overall Academic Award this year was awarded to Vuyolwethu Zumani, who achieved brilliant results, especially in Maths and Physical Science. The principal of Ntsika Secondary School, Mrs Madeleine Schoeman accepted Sinazo Madakana’s award for Matric of the year in her absence. Other mentionable awards were Athenkosi Adam for Platinum attendance (90 – 100%) and Appreciation awards to Sibulele Moyakhe and Banele Xoki for always being there to assist in the branch.
Thabang Stoffel, who returned to the branch to tutor, gave an encouraging speech to his peers. He said that it is important to remember who you are and that if you fall, it does not mean the end. You must pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again. He is living proof that with perseverance comes success. This year he is registered with Rhodes University to study towards a Bachelor of Science Degree.
This event was a fantastic opportunity to formally celebrate the abundance of talent that exists within IkamvaYouth Joza in a diverse range of areas. The attendees enjoyed music and poetry from Ikamvanites Nobathembu Nxawe, Awonke Manze and Sibulele Moyakhe.
The day reflected on past achievements and also looked to the future as we are proud of the successes of the class of 2015 and look forward to helping them become confident, responsible and successful members of society.
Ikamva Lisezandleni Zethu: The future is in our hands
On the 17th of January 2015, IkamvaYouth Ebony Park opens its doors to new ikamvanites. New applicants form different schools across Tembisa came to see what IkamvaYouth is all about. A total number of 358 learners and parents were present for Ebony Park open day. On the day, IkamvaYouth Ebony Park branch coordinator gave a warm welcome to parent, sponsors and ex/future Ikamvanite for supporting the event.
The day started with an ice breaker from IkamvaYouth Ebony Park branch assistant to get everyone energized. MC for the day, Mr Clemence Msindo, explained what IkamvaYouth was all about and how IkamvaYouth would assist the learners within the community. Many of our sponsor’s includingABIand Tzu Ching Foundation were present cheering all the learners on to take responsibility for their future and improve their marks. The open day was graced by the presence of Mr. Solane Mlambo from the Department of Education who gave a motivational speech to Ikamvanites on taking opportunities that IkamvaYouth brings to the community; also a parent for one of the top IY performers gave a speech on how IkamvaYouth played a role in his daughter’s life. The parent mentioned that at first he didn’t approve his child attending sessions at IkamvaYouth but after a visit to the branch, he quickly changed his mind and allowed his daughter to attend, as he witnessed something good about the program.
One of IkamvaYouth sponsor, ABI, sponsored the event with drinks, food and some entertainment to Ikamvanites. An ABI representative also gave a speech on how supportive they have been to IkamvaYouth and applauded on coming second in the Gauteng Province Emerald Award which IkamvaYouth National Coordinator, Mr Patrick Mashanda, later presented the award to those in attendance.
A prize giving ceremony immediately followed and all learners with over 80% attendance and those who did Operation Fikelela through Siyakhula Computer School for 2014 were awarded certificates of achievement. Also, Grade 12’s with distinctions were recognized. Tiyiselani Mpangane, a Grade 12 with 7 distinctions who started IkamvaYouth in grade 10, said “I would like to thank IkamvaYouth for being there for learners in the community and also my school for allowing us to be part of IkamvaYouth”. IkamvaYouth also encouraged learners to know that they too could excel at school. Amongst the top performers were learners who started Ikamvayouth in grade 10 and the commitment and dedication they have showed paid with distinctions. Quintres Sefala who got four distinctions, mentioned that tutors/volunteers and teachers who gave their time deserves credits for their achievements.
This is what another top performer had to say “I’m glad I have made a right choice to join IkamvaYouth and look at me now, I’m in the top three at my school. I showed commitment to my studies and with the help I received from Ikamva, my mentor, classmates and my principal, I got three distinctions” said Virginia Sibanda.
The main tutoring hall at the IkamvaYouth Chesterville branch was packed to the brim as we had our open day and prize giving ceremony. Amongst our guests were the parents, current Ikamvanites, aspiring Ikamvanites, our local librarian, and our dedicated tutors as well as staff from both the KZN branches of Umlazi and Chesterville. The guests were eager to know more about IkamvaYouth and to celebrate those Ikamvanites who performed well in the programme for the year 2014.
Our learners also participated in the programme, with two of our matric learners Lindokuhle Mbili and Lipuma Thabethe being our MC’s for the day. The speakers of the day were Thandazo Mkhize (Chesterville Branch Co-ordinator), and Zandile Dlamini (Chesterville Branch Assistant) who gave an overview of what IY is about as a whole.
Thankfully, IY has many talented learners some of which were able to provide us with entertainment for the day with poetry and rhythmic rap music. We also had speakers from different walks of life. One of our past learners, Andiswa Tshabalala, from the class of 2014 was one of our speakers, she gave a very heartfelt speech about her experience at IY as well as where she is currently in life and her studies. Our other special guest Mzwandile Majola, a librarian from the local library spoke very well about the importance of reading and also encouraged the learners to read and visit the library more often for information.
Speeches were not the only items on the program. Our special Prize Giving ceremony had to be the highlight of the day. Led by N’thabiseng Zwane, branch assistant at the Umlazi branch, certificates as well as prize gifts were awarded to learners that achieved 90% and above on attendance as platinum attendance, 75% and above as Gold attendance while others received certificates for successfully completing the operation fikelela programme in 2014. It would’ve been a shame to honor the learners and leave behind our tutors, so the most dedicated tutor of the year was also awarded with a certificate of appreciation, which went Nokukhanya Ngcobo who also delivered a lovely speech on behalf of the tutors.
In closing, S’bonelo Cele, branch coordinator at the Umlazi branch, gave us a closing remark and vote of thanks speech to everyone who availed themselves for the event and more especially to our special guests, who were given a small gift as a token of our appreciation.
IkamvaYouth Ivory Park Open Day
The 24th of January was the day the volunteers stuff members and parents of the IkamvaYouth Ivory Park branch have been waiting for. The Ivory Park branch has been collaborating open days with its sister branch Ebony Park, but this year it went solo. The programme for the day was well managed allowing the invited guests, parents, school principal and learners to participate and represent.
The activities of the event involved prize giving to top performers in the year 2014 with certificate and gift awards in different categories to include Platinum Attendance, Most academically improved learners, Best Tutors and 2014 matriculants for having successfully completed matric with IkamvaYouth. Application forms were issued to those who wanted to join IkamvaYouth.
The programme opened with a warm welcome by the branch coordinator (Mr Clemence Msindo), followed by our host and guest of honor Mr K Maduma, the principal for Kaalfontein Secondary School where the Ivory Park branch operates from. Mr Solani from the District Department of Education, Dr W. Kubeka from University of Johannesburg and Simpiwe from the Vine Branches blessed the event as motivational speakers to learners with words of encouragement with regards to academic improvements. Our IkamvaYouth branch committee parent Mma Mogano gave a touching speech to other parents about the good IkamvaYouth is doing in the community with reference to her child’s improvement in school work.
The Kaalfontein Secondary School choir, with their melodic voices couldn’t let the event go by without them being heard, they sang so well they left the crowd asking for more. Our class of 2014 who had risen above the odds and gave the Ivory Park branch 87.7% pass rate were awarded with certificates for their courage and bravery in their achievement. The top achiever Benny Matlou was awarded a wrist watch for his two distinctions in Mathematics and Physical Science. The branch awarded the top attender with a Blackberry phone for her commitment to IkamvaYouth throughout the year.
The day was full of joy and ABI made the day extra special by donating drinks and water to the learners, volunteers, parents and guests to quench their thirst. The day ended with a number of learners queuing to grab application forms to join IkamvaYouth.
Lloyd Lungu