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.
Monday, 10th December 2012: Excited Ikamva Youth learners from Umlazi and Chesterville were treated to a set of presentations by Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI) in Phoenix Business Park. ABI is the leading distributor of Coca-Cola products in the southern hemisphere. ABI is a firm supporter and sponsor of the Ikamva initiative. Ikamvanites were informed about the working of the company, the respective responsibilities of the various departments, and the career opportunities available at ABI. Staff members of ABI provided important information and advice to students about study trajectories that would afford them a chance to work for a company like ABI. Learners were responsive and posed a number of questions to the speakers and expressed interest in pursuing careers at ABI. A lovely lunch was had, after a tour of ABI’s factory floor.
Some of the staff who gave presentations about their different departments
Learners and tutors listening tentatively to the advice offered by the ABI staff.
Lunch is served!
Draft ABI golf day blog
Friday November 9th, a beautiful sunny day in Durban, this was the perfect setting for the 17th Annual ABI Charity Golf day and IkamvaYouth was the beneficiary. The IkamvaYouth team (Thabisile Seme ; KZN Regional coordinator, S’bonelo Cele; Umlazi Branch coordinator and N’thabiseng Zwane; Umlazi Branch Assistant), accompanied by 5 learners from the Umlazi branch arrived at the Mt Edgecombe Country estate at 10am.For the day, we were looking after the players and ensuring everyone is properly refreshed.
With the sun out, the golf course was great to play on, the players seemed to be having a good timeuntil around 3pm when the rain came down. Most of the contestants were able to finish the 18 hole course in time. By 5pm everyone was freshening up in preparation for the prize-giving dinner.
The dinner commenced at 6pm, and guests were welcomed by Norman Reilly, ABI national events manager. The programme included announcing the winners (from last to first place); handing over of the cheque; and auction which raised a further R4000 for IkamvaYouth. S’bonelo Cele had the honour of receiving the cheque for R50 000 on behalf of IkamvaYouth. The excitement from the IkamvaYouth team was very evident.
We would like to extend our gratitude to ABI for their massive support, as well as all the companies that participated and ensured a successful event, which raised much needed funds for the Umlazi branch.
The excitement begins, everyone eager to share how they feel. Meeting our sponsors for the first time was beautiful and such profound people giving us a hand in turning the country around. Little did they know what IkamvaYouth had in store for them.
We all got to find out what inspires them individually about IkamvaYouth. The amazing abilities we have to transform the things that matter. Can we affect a million people? Surely we can! The ripple effect is an ongoing and never ending effect.
We started by giving an introduction to our vision, then shared our strategies and there were smiles across the room you could literally feel the energy of excitement and the fear of what an impact this is and will be by 2030. Yes 2030! We can see the fruits we’ve planted. So buckle up its going to be an awesome ride. We are proud to be part of this movement that not only changes, but inspires, motivates and encourages people.
One thing we realised today is that no-one knew where they were going to be today in this time but we are here and we making the most of it and we are going somewhere. Each being has a significant role, or what we call a ‘super power’ that when all combined enlightens the world. It’s like throwing a stone in a pound that ripple effect keeps expanding, now imagine South Africa expanding. IkamvaYouth has worked, is working and clearly going to work for the better.
I CAN, YOU CAN, TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT WORK
Developing high level of trust in between team members is a key component in guaranteeing a high standard of service delivery for the young people we are working with. Therefore today was dedicated to team tasks focusing on senses that a leader can expand its awareness of the people he/she is working with. Who could imagine that a simple garden stick can arouse and invite to discuss around those topics. I dare you… we did it!! The below picture is proof to that.
The second session makes us discover or revise the different kind of leadership which can be applied to different professional situations. It has been followed by a collective application. We learned how to be directive, democratic, affirmative, how to be humble, how to be visionary and how to produce other leaders.
Frustration is also part of professional life and absolutely normal. It matters to identify the symptoms, and how to remedy from it. This feeling, which pollutes and reduces the human efficiency in interpersonal relationships, needs to be decontaminated as soon as possible.
To conclude the day, each and every staff discussed intensively on professional issues they are encountering within the organisation. No one gets shot. We succeed to do it in a climate of truth, respect and understanding.
We are looking forward tomorrow to give you more feedback.
On the 7th of July 2012, I took a trip to the Equal Education Congress of 2012. The trip was fully funded by Equal Education (Many Thanks for the opportunity). It would be a very interesting 5 days for me. From the viewpoint of an outsider, the congress would be more of a learning experience more than anything.
Arriving on Sunday, the team was introduced to us and registration took place. The registration and off to Thembisa for the opening event, where we were welcomed by Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. After that we heard an address by Cosatu member Zwelinzima Vavi, who showed his support for the movement of Equal Education. Also on the speakers line up were equaliser (the title given to schoolgoing members) Khutso Mmapheto, and Equal Education Coordinator Doron Isaacs. After the event we boarded buses headed to UJ Aukland par campus where we would spend the the next 5 days.
Monday morning was cold in JHB, but maybe it was just the Durban in me. Breakfast was served in the dining hall, as would be the case for the rest of the week. The morning started with a plenary session on youth and politics globally. Mr Rob Peterson spoke about the Arab spring ( The revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests occurring in the Arab world that began on 18 December 2010) . I found this very intersting. How an uprising in one country can spark fury in neighbouring contries with the same conditions. After tea the session continued with more guest speakers of note. The likes of Barbara Hogan and Vuyiseka Dubula-Majola graced the podium. After lunch, the congress was then split into groups.
Each group comprised about 30 members. These would be our groups for the duration. We spent the rest of the afternoon discussing how Equal Education can penetrate more in the community and find a more efficient way forward.
On Tuesday, delegates were divided into six groups and had an opportunity to attend some really cool educational tours. I had an opportunity to visit the constitutional court, which was an amazing experience for me. I had never been to a real court before, let alone South Africas highest court. We took a tour around the entire court, and Justice Edwin Cameron graced us with his presence, briefing us of what the court does and how it works. We were then transported to Soweto, where we would spend the rest of the evening. The equalisers then discussed what kind of leadership they wanted to lead the new Equal Education. Following the discussion, it was time to meet the candidates. The candidates then introduced themselves and this was followed by a voting process.
Wednesday saw more plenary discussions around the challenges in education. Guest speakers of the likes of Nic Spaull and Veronica Mashiyi (parent) graced the podium. Further discussions around issues such as what is an EE member, and the life cycle of an EE member where discussed in groups. Further discussions of the way forward took place in the group session. Later that evening after a short break, the new Leadership was then announced, the constitution was finalised and the congress was then brought a formal close.
Thursday was the big day, the day we would march for our education in the streets of Tembisa. The day started out like every other day. Cold due to the weather, fired up from the spirit of the equaliser. Buses lined up, food packages and equalisers chanting songs of Marching. The busses headed to Tembisa and when we got there, it was time to mobilise. The first order of business was to mobilise the community. I had the biggest challenge amongst my group, Language. I do not know any Sotho at all, and on that day, I felt it. But when the march began, I put on my marching boots. The route we took was the same route that the students of 1976 took. After the march we headed back to UJ for supper and a social event. The entertainment at the social event would be the last activity of the trip.
I wish Equal Education all the best in the future. In conclusion, this was a great opportunity for me to learn to learn from an organisation whose work is directly in line with what we do. Wishing Equal Education the best in their future.
Lloyd Lungu