The Makhaza Open day was held on Saturday the 8th of February. A very special day for IkamvaYouth Makhaza as new learners and new parents meet. It was also great opportunity for the new Ikamvanites and their parents to meet and be inspired by our Tutors and returning learners. The day was divided into two sessions the first was for the parents only followed by the session for learners.
The first session was filled with eager parents. Zukile Keswa (Branch Coordinator) hosted the gathering, welcoming everyone and playing the IkamvaYouth video explainer. All the programmes that are offered at Makhaza were explained to parents and they were informed about the role that they have to play to insure the success of the programme. Zukile further explained the importance of being involved in the academics of a child even if a parent is illiterate and how that encourages a child to do more as they have a great support system at home. The reception from the parents was overwhelming as they shared how happy they that their kids’ are part of IY. One parent said “I can sleep better a night knowing that my child is getting the most valuable education in life even after I’m no longer in this world”. All in good time we shared.
The second session was just refreshing as you could feel the excitement of the new learners in the hall. The learners were welcomed and few questions were asked: Why did you apply to IY? Why are you here today? The learners responded with such confidence that convinced all of us that 2014 would indeed be a year of greatness. The tutors introduced themselves to the learners, sharing where they had attended High School which seemed to excite the learners, what they were currently doing and subjects they tutor.
The day was a success, so looking forward to the 15th of February when tutoring starts.
Saturday the 25th of January 2014 saw the Umlazi branch host their annual Open day at the Umlazi AA library. The event started with a wonderful song from one of the learners at the branch. S’bonelo (Branch Coordinators) and N’thabiseng (Branch Assistant) proceeded to welcome the people and presented a PowerPoint based presentation. The presentation gave an overview of IkamvaYouth, the work IkamvaYouth does and the geographical reach of the organisation.
Staff and volunteers Open Day 2014
It also featured highlights of activities in the Umlazi branch from 2013. The presentation included the matric pass rate and the requirements for learners who join IkamvaYouth to keep their place in the programmes offered. The matric class of 2013 was celebrated with a visual tribute compiled by N’thabiseng.
IkamvaYouth Learner Zekhethelo Ngcobo reciting her touching poem
The video was followed by a performance from one of the learners who recited a poem about IkamvaYouth and the impact it has on learners. A testimonial from an ex-matric learner gave prospective learners a insight into the kind of impact being an Ikamvanite can have on one’s life. This was followed by a brief talk from a current volunteer tutor who spoke of his experience and what he feels is needed to be a successful Ikamvanite.
Ms Phumelele Kunene, from MUT gave a brief talk on the relationship IkamvaYouth Umlazi has with Mangosuthu University of Technology. She also motivated the learners in terms of their future choices in life.
We were blessed by the presence of ABI Soul Ambassadors (pictured below) who were accompanied by Samukelo Nkosi the Corporate Social Investment Coordinator-KZN for ABI.
Before everyone was served refreshments, courtesy of ABI, a surprise performance by Msizi (a local poet) brought the day to a close on a very high note.
The Soul Ambassadors (Wonder Mzobe,Patience Simela, and Nokwethemba Mpisi) with Thabisile Seme and S’bonelo Cele
Today was the first day of winter school, the day all the learners, tutors and volunteers were waiting for! You could see the excitement on the faces of everyone that arrived at Upper Campus on Monday. This week the learners are based in the Arts Block on Upper Campus at UCT. We have a lot of international volunteers helping us this year from all over the world – Hong Kong, India, Canada, the Netherlands, China, as well as many ex matrics from 2012 coming back as first time tutors.
One of our grade 8 learners said, “ I loved coming to UCT with my friends this morning – we had a great time in the bus. Seeing these amazing buildings and the campus motivates me to get great marks and get a degree in Science from UCT – I’m se excited for winter school!”
Thi week we have various workshops happening, one of the very contentious ones were when students were divided into two groups and were asked to debate for/against on topics like HIV Testing, legalisation of drugs and life imprisonment. I was surprised to hear some of the issues that learners brought up, showing the knowledge and reasoning skills they posses.
Other workshops this week are centred around various subjects – Science and Technology, Media and Journalism, Entrepreneurship, Environment, Helath and Life Skills and Creative Expression. On Monday I was in the Entrepreneurship workshop that was held by Justin, an Entrepreneur and a manager of a Consulting company. He said, “I am very excited about lecturing to these students today. I had a similar childhood and did not come from a wealthy family. A lot of these students may end up being future entrepreneurs like me. Its just a push, confidence and awareness they need.”
Capitec bank provided a morning workshop where learners were exposed to the skills that the employers look for in applicants and career guidance was provided with resume writing and interview skills. Andrea Sanke is running history workshop for the 2 weeks which is was very interesting to the learners. This week she was lecturing on the different government styles in different parts of the world. She told the students about the importance of knowing about history, different cultures and how they have shaped the world we live in. One of the learners said, “I feel that I know so much more about Africa now and the struggle some countries went through including South Africa to be what it is today.” This week Reel Lives are also providing workshops – they are using media to support education, empowerment and social change. Learners got the opportunity to watch videos that were made by other Ikamvanites.
This is just a taste of what has happened at the beginning of last week, we are so excited for what is to come!
If you are interested in seeing what we are up to please contact:
Zukile – 079 885 4364
Zukile@ikamvayouth.org
Nyanga’s Grade 11 and 12 classes spent an educational, informative, yet fun morning on the UWC and CPUT Bellville campuses on the 11th of May.
The learners were very excited, particularly the Gr 11s; many of whom were attending a university open day for the first time. The group attended talks, lectures, exhibitions, demonstrations and visited the different departments on the campuses as each showcased itself to hundreds of young people all hoping to learn more about possible careers and bursary opportunities as tertiary students.
Here’s what some of the learners had to say about the day:
Being at UWC was such a great experience for me. I was very impressed with the information I got from the faculty of Accounting. I think I have found a suitable career for myself, (B.com). (Nopinki Mba, Gr 12)
Going to the opening day at UWC opened my eyes as I learnt a lot about other careers but sadly they don’t have Bio-medical technology which I want to study. It wasn’t a waste of time though because I got an opportunity to get more information regarding bursaries. (Noluthando Nkebetwana, Gr 11)
On the 11th of May, both Ivory and Ebony park Ikamvanites attended the University of Johannesburg Open Day. As expected, ikamvanites came in numbers to avail themselves for the Open Day. On arrival, the learners were introduced to their Tour Marshall for the day, who then read-out the rules and explained on how the tour will be conducted.
They started by visiting all the departments the University offers. In each department ikamvanites got to know different career paths to follow and their requirements. Ikamvanites learnt the different Degrees and Diplomas the institution offers. They were advised to work hard on their grade 11 and 12 results to stand a chance of getting accepted at the Institution. Ikamvanites were then asked to sit in a televised film that showed and explained the importance of choosing the best subjects and courses for their future.
This is what the learners had to say about the Open Day.
Rebecca Mamabolo (Ebony Park), “the Tour Marshall was very friendly and I experienced a lot from the Open Day”.
Kabelo Madiga (Ivory Park), “at University of Johannesburg we got all the information we needed”.
The day ended with learners asked to submit their application forms, to stand a chance of winning a bursary worth R25000 if they submit their forms on Open Day. We are working hard to attain yet another 100% placement in Gauteng for 2013!!
Written By Michael Thema (Ebony Park Branch)
On the 13th of April, Nyanga Matrics got an opportunity to attend the annual UCT Open Day.
This was an important excursion for the Grade 12s as they got to visit a highly regarded institution in their province and learn more about the different programs they can study, and the funding opportunities available to them for tertiary studies.
The learners had a good time, not only attending information sessions but observing experiments and other demonstrations, and also having fun around campus, as those who will soon be walking university campus grounds in less than a year.
Nkosinathi Kaziwa, a grade 12 had the following to say about the day:
I learnt more about the career that I want to pursue, and also learnt about new careers such as Audiology and Environmental and Geographical Science.’
We are excited to have our learners exposed to other career paths and options and know that this Open Day is the first of many eye-opening and informative Career Guidance sessions our learners will be exposed to throughout the year.
Lloyd Lungu