The weekend consisted of planning for 2013 as well as an election to choose the new branch committee as well as choosing the different heads of the different portfolios. Present were more than 30 learners from different grades and tutors and they all had a chance to discuss the decision making, planning and electing the branch committee.
The Main goal of our SPW was to elect a branch committee (in charge of roles and portfolios) and for new volunteers (grade12 from last year returning) to take ownership of programme and become part of the management team. It was also a great weekend for the leaner reps and tutors to get to know each other better.
On Saturday we discussed the year program and we also had a look back at what happened in 2012. The morning started off with an introduction and the group explaining what their expectations of the weekend will be, we then discussed what happened in 2012 and then we ended with looking at what IkamvaYouth is doing well, what challenges we are facing, what IkamvaYouth is offering learners and the community and what we can do to improve the programme. We had a lot of first time branch committee members, but the rest of the group made them all feel included and welcome.
On Sunday the election took place and everyone had a chance to vote for the different nominees. The nomination and election process were very democratic and the nominees had to explain to the group why they were best suited for the different portfolios. The different portfolios were Tutoring, Volunteer Coordination, Career Guidance, Media, Image and Expression, Computer Literacy, Health and Life Skills and Alumni.
The different portfolio members also had to discuss their portfolios and present a plan of action for the group and will need to present this plan of action to all the Ikamvanites at Makhaza. They had to present their goals, when the goals should be reached and by whom. Emihle, a grade 8 learner and newly appointed portfolio member said that the weekend was a dream come true and that she enjoyed the interaction and discussions that took place and that she is really happy and proud for being chosen as part of the health and life skills portfolio.
Mandisi Gladile, a tutor says, “the weekend was really informative and made me realise the value IkamvaYouth adds not only to the learners but also the community and I feel really inspired for the things that we have planned for 2013.”
strategic_planning_week_2013.pdf
It’s a new year and the KZN branches were planning and preparing for open day and prize giving. Indeed all of the hard work paid off and was a success. The branches then decided to surprise the learners with a trip to uShaka Marine World. The trip not for all but for the learners awarded and deserving as it was a way to show each learner that their hard work and dedication to committing themselves to their work is recognised, so IkamvaYouth decided to take all winners on a trip to uShaka Marie World. Here the Umlazi Branch met up with the awarded learners from the Chesterville Branch together they took a journey into the sea world learning so much about the different types of creatures that live in the ocean.
All learners were so eager and asked a lot of questions and couldn’t stop taking photos of such beautiful creatures. The fun did not end there they got an opportunity to also see the Dolphins at Sea World Stadium as they were putting on a magnificent show for them. There was a lot of singing, dancing and cheering as the wonderful staff from the Sea World kept everyone entertained. It was a long beautiful day for the learners but it was not just all about fun and games, they also learnt a lot especially about how to take of such creatures as well as what career opportunities there are in taking care of such creatures. Some learners even spoke about going back to uShaka Marine World for another awesome experience.
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).
Saturday the 26th of January 2013 was a very special day for IkamvaYouth Gauteng as we opened our doors to new applications for the year. Open Day for both branches in Gauteng were jointly held at Ebony Park and it was exciting to see over 600 learners in attendance. The new applicants were all eager to see what IkamvaYouth had to offer and how they would be assisted to improve their marks.
The day started off with the District Coordinator, Patrick Mashanda, explaining what IkamvaYouth was all about and how IkamvaYouth would assist the learners within the community. Many of our supporters including ABI, Tzu Chi Foundation, Advtech, Mindset Network, ERM, EOH, Thoughtworks were present cheering all the learners on to take responsibility for their future and improve their marks.
(The Tzu Chi Foundation Team)
A prize giving ceremony immediately followed and all learners with over 80% attendance for 2012 were awarded certificates of achievement and the Grade 12’s with distinctions were recognised. Ntebaleng Morake, a Grade 12 with 4 distinctions, said a few words to thank everyone who supports IkamvaYouth and also encouraged learners to know that they too could excel at school.
(Ntebaleng Morake receiving her award)
Loads of fun ended the day off with donations of cokes, a DJ and music from ABI and pies from King Pie.
(Pies from King Pie being prepared for the aspiring Ikamvanites)
We are ready to change some lives this year, are you?
Umlazi Open Day/Prize giving
More than 150 community members from Umlazi AA section and surrounding areas came to the AA Library to learn more about IkamvaYouth last week Saturday on the 19th of January 2013. Among those in attendance, were existing and potential lkamvaNites, parents, and partners ABI & the library.
The Branch Assistant N’thabiseng Zwane welcomed our guests with the help of one of the IkamvaYouth learners Sindisiwe Sibisi who sang a beautiful song to open the day, Branch Coordinator S’bonelo Cele presented Funeka’s story which explains IkamvaYouth in 3 minutes and then briefly explained in broader detail what IkamvaYouth does. A group of learners presented a play/poem on what IkamvaYouth means to them, followed by one of our tutors Samukelo Jili who spoke on behalf of all the tutors explaining to the community what they need from them in assisting the learners in problem areas.
The ABI Cooperate Social Investment Coordinator from KZN Samukelo Nkosi, spoke on behalf of ABI explaining the role they play in society including IkamvaYouth and shared some words of wisdom to everyone in the hall. This was followed by Andile Memela the Head Librarian at the AA library on its involvement with IkamvaYouth.
After a word from our guests, the floor was opened for a Q and A session with S’bonelo. During the refreshments break guests were treated to a performance by two local poets who recited a piece on HIV/AIDS, later joined by two local contemporary dancers. This was followed by a rap group that performed a song they had written about IkamvaYouth which got crowd interaction.
As the final part of the day we moved on to prize giving. The prize giving is IkamvaYouth’s way of commending the learners who are dedicated to the program. This year’s prizes were sponsored by ABI, which shows their ongoing support for the branch. The learners took pictures with their gift bags, followed by lunch which was sponsored ABI. Now we look forward to the year ahead.
Umlazi Open Day/Prize giving
More than 150 community members from Umlazi AA section and surrounding areas came to the AA Library to learn more about IkamvaYouth last week Saturday on the 19th of January 2013. Among those in attendance, were existing and potential lkamvaNites, parents, and partners ABI & the library.
The Branch Assistant N’thabiseng Zwane welcomed our guests with the help of one of the IkamvaYouth learners Sindisiwe Sibisi who sang a beautiful song to open the day, Branch Coordinator S’bonelo Cele presented Funeka’s story which explains IkamvaYouth in 3 minutes and then briefly explained in broader detail what IkamvaYouth does. A group of learners presented a play/poem on what IkamvaYouth means to them, followed by one of our tutors Samukelo Jili who spoke on behalf of all the tutors explaining to the community what they need from them in assisting the learners in problem areas.
The ABI Cooperate Social Investment Coordinator from KZN Samukelo Nkosi, spoke on behalf of ABI explaining the role they play in society including IkamvaYouth and shared some words of wisdom to everyone in the hall. This was followed by Andile Memela the Head Liberian at the AA library on its involvement with IkamvaYouth.
After a word from our guests, the floor was opened for a Q and A session with S’bonelo. During the refreshments break guests were treated to a performance by two local poets who recited a piece on HIV/AIDS, later joined by two local contemporary dancers. This was followed by a rap group that performed a song they had written about IkamvaYouth which got crowd interaction.
As the final part of the day we moved on to prize giving. The prize giving is IkamvaYouth’s way of commending the learners who are dedicated to the program. This year’s prizes were sponsored by ABI, which shows their ongoing support for the branch. The learners took pictures with their gift bags, followed by lunch which was sponsored ABI. Now we look forward to the year ahead.
Lloyd Lungu