2010 is when it all began, I was one of those “weird” boys from the township with dreams as big as the Taj Mahal and go on forever like the Eiffel Tower. Obviously this was considered quite unorthodox in a typical township, where each day is survival and a battle to refuse a “blunt” or any other drug offered kindly.
I went to Chesterville Ext. Secondary a school situated in a place known as one of the crime hotspots. Ikamva Youth came in just when I needed the drive to push and keep going. I had just started a new subject package. Science and Mathematics were proving not to be child’s play and then I joined Ikamva Youth just when I thought Physics was for dummies that had no social life, to my surprise I found myself actually enjoying studying with other learners and working with a tutor was much more relaxing than staring at an old teacher with a stern look. South Africans were celebrating the FIFA world cup being hosted in their own country but I was celebrating more than that, I was also meeting new people both learners and tutors who would tell of their stories as varsity students.
From grade 10 to grade 12 I was always the highest in Hospitality class and this was only possible because of the resources provided by IY like unlimited internet access which would allow me to do my research every time I had an assignment or a project. I also excelled remarkably on almost all my subjects.
Now I’m in varsity studying Language Practice and I’m now also a tutor for IY, I also hold the title of portfolio head for Media Image and Expression. From the days I was a learner to today God knows it has not been a ride in the park neither has it been marshmallows and honey muffins. Being an Ikamvanites means you should be a goal orientated and determined learner, the kind of person who always dares to dream without forgetting you’re an individual and you were made to stand out! The future is our hands.
The weekend of 4th May 2013 saw the Chesterville branch having its 2nd term parents meeting. With the branch having a learner number of more than 130 leaners, we had anticipated a high number of parents to come in for the meeting. However that was not the case with the team having exhausted all methods in trying to get the parents to attend the meeting that still lead to less than the desired number attending.
The meeting started off by parents being introduced to the IY model by us playing the Funeka video for them. After that an open discussion was held to better explain to them the specifics and how IY greatly impacts their children. Many parents that had attended the meeting were parents of learners that had recently joined the program and they showed gratitude towards the programme.
The meeting agenda addressed attendance, report collection, careers indaba 2013 and winter school and the importance of every learner attending the two week holiday programme. Discussions regarding tertiary applications for the matriculants were also addressed in the meeting. Emphasize was placed on how parents need to play a huge role in ensuring that their child has applied for university or any other equivalent opportunity, to also be aware of the cost implications that come with registrations and tertiary fees. Alternatives are provided by IkamvaYouth however parents also need to be armed with knowledge and know the different resources/services that are provided for post matrics.
One parents said that her child in grade 11 initially was not a high achieving child however ever since they joined IY she has seen improvement with regards to her attitude and school work.
Overall from the parent’s perspective, it seems we are impacting the learners greatly and if these learners continue to stay in the programme greater things are sure to come. That can only be achieved through collaborative efforts between the parents and the branch.
This years Careers Indaba, organised in partnership with Equal Education and SAEP, saw nearly 1000 leaners come though the doors of the Zolani Centre, all coming to gain valuable exposure to organisations, workshops and other important resources.
The aim on the Indaba is to provide learners with information that will assist them in making informed decisions; a fundamental step in fostering a mind set in the youth of South Africa of pro-active future orientated thinking. It is challenging to dream of a better future and to aspire to goals without knowing the realities of these goals and the opportunities that are available.
The annual Careers Indaba is a chance for leaners to obtain information on where to continue their studies, start working; find out about on the job training, as well as alternatives to studying through volunteer programs or internships. It gives them a chance to investigate their options and talk directly to the people who are able to guide them in the right direction. In addition Career Planet and Kayin from SAEP also offered workshops on CV building, interview techniques and personal development. Skills that are needed wherever your path takes you.
While protests on the freeway kept a few exhibitors away, it didn’t damper the spirit of the learners who came, and a few had this to say,
Kuhle, “I learnt that I have to be confident and choose a career that will require my talents and abilities.”
Zasipho, “I have learnt about my career, where to study, how and where to apply for bursaries and how to be successful in future.”
Ludwe, “I have learnt that even if you come from a poor family you can get a bursary and go further with your education.”
Sikelelwa, “I have learnt that education is your ticket to success and you have to have dreams in order to succeed. Everything you do is all about knowing what you truly want out of life.
Ngeke, “That you must know what you want and understand your chosen career. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of it.”
Anathi, “I have learnt that there are many opportunities for youth out there so there’s no excuse of not having money or being poor.”
Nosiphiwo, “I learnt that in order for me to achieve my dream career I need to focus on my studies so that I can get better results at the end of the year.”
The day would not have been possible without our amazing partnership with Equal Education and SAEP – big up to them!
This week IkamvaYouth, Equal Education and the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP) will host the annual Careers Indaba.
Businesses, NGOs, professionals, tertiary institutions and Further Education and Training colleges will run information stalls to grade 8-12 students from Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Makhaza, Strand, Kraaifontein, Masiphumelele and surrounding areas.
DATE: Friday, 19 April 2013
TIME: 13h00-17h00
VENUE: Zolani Centre, Sithandatu Avenue, Nyanga, 7750
ENTRY: free
Come wearing your school uniform!
Many learners face challenges when considering their tertiary studies. These challenges include insufficient access to information regarding academic and occupational options as well as affording the cost of further studies.
The Career Indaba provides assistance to learners making decisions about their future. Exhibitors will expose learners to a variety of careers paths and options. Learners will also have the opportunity to learn about scholarships and bursary programs that are available to them.
The programme will include workshops on CV writing, interviewing skills, personal development and study techniques.
For more information:
Marion Petersen
marion@ikamvayouth.org
m: 0798854388
t: 0214224306
Kate Wilkinson
kate@equaleducation.org.za
t: 0213870022
e: 0716824515
Lydia Wasilenko
lydia.eva@live.com
t: 0213870022
On Saturday 9 March, IkamvaYouth in partnership with Capitec presented a fire safety awareness workshop hosted by Mrs Nombeko Kopele (Public Education Officer) from the fire and rescue services in Ottery, Cape Town. In December 2012, close to a 1000 shacks burnt down in Khayelitsha with countless people being displaced and with winter approaching, a time when the risks of fires increase, it was an opportune time to educate our learners about the dangers that fires pose, but also give them tips on how to avoid these fires.
The presentation were in two parts, first with the grade 10, 11 and 12s and then with the grade 8 and 9s. The reason for this split was because different aspects were discussed with the different age groups. Although the main focus of the workshop was fire safety awareness, it also allowed the presenter to speak to the older kids about the different careers within fire and rescue. This was very exciting for the ikamvanites because they found out that the training to become a fire fighter or paramedic is only 6 months and that it was really physical. They had a lot of questions to ask and the presenter was very knowledgeable and answered all their questions. Lwazi Fanana, a grade 11 learner, said afterwards that he might consider a career in the fire and rescue field. Another learner Sipho Nqgayimbana, grade 12, asked about the different careers within the fire and rescue fields and the presenter said that careers vary from administration, management, medical to paramedical and firefighting, etc., and that there are lots of skills shortages in this career field and with that a lot of opportunities for young people to join.
For the younger grades, the focus were more on fire prevention tips, what to do in case of a fire or burn injuries and who to contact when you see a fire. The session with them were more interactive and the ikamvanites were able to simulate scenarios, like rolling on the ground when you catch fire, and were shown charts of what to do. All the ikamvanites were told where their closest fire station is and were told to call 107 or 0215901900 in case of a fire or any other emergency. Everyone had a lot of questions for Mrs Kopele and as with the other group; she was able to answer every question.
We would like to thank the City of Cape Town and in particular Mrs Nombeko Kopele and Mr Abdusalaam Allie, Capitec and everyone that assisted with this workshop.
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
Lloyd Lungu