Its that time of the year again. We have reached that crucial midyear point. Umlazi started operations on the 14th of April 2012, tutoring began on the 23rd with just 18 learners. Winter School sees a number of 58 learners and 14 tutors making up the Umlazi team.
It’s been a very interesting time for us here in Umlazi, challenges galore but we made it through. When the branch started operating we sat with 18 learners for 2 whole weeks. We had to approach schools over again and convince learners face to face at assembly that we are here to help them. Our biggest ally in getting the learner number up to the target (50) has been the learners themselves. They are so happy with the help they are getting that they just seem to bring more and more of their friends.
We now sit with 58 learners in the space of 2 months and the number is set to grow with time. The great thing is that even the number of local volunteers is increasing. In the 2 weeks leading up to Winter School we have 3 new tutors from the neighbourhood come in and join 🙂
Looking forward to our first Winter School as a new branch.
1st Annual Ikamva Youth Umlazi open day
Our newly launched Umlazi branch hosted its first annual open day on Saturday, 14 April 2012. Learners and parents gathered at Umlazi AA Library, where our new branch is located.
S’bonelo Cele, Branch coordinator of IkamvaYouth UMlazi welcomed all the learners, parents, volunteers and sponsors. S’bonelo gave an impressive presentation about Ikamva Youth; his opening remarks highlighted the purpose of the Ikamva Youth at uMlazi. “Learners at IkamvaYouth UMlazi will not only be tutored, but they will also get the chance to take part in extramural activities, such as poetry sessions, visual arts and music”, said Cele.
Learners also got a chance to watch an inspiring documentary by Anna Telford, titled “Flying Colours”. The film follows Akhona, a young learner who was studying towards her final matric examinations, who was an Ikamva learner and now is at the University of Cape Town. This documentary highlights the challenges facing learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and how Ikamva has helped them to turn their problems into an opportunities.
Mrs Teboho Mzizi, the Senior manager of libraries in the Durban area, spoke about the role played by libraries in promoting and supporting education. She also spoke about the library resources such as an E-zone and study halls available for learners. She explained the importance of the library membership and how it will benefit them. Mzizi urged the youngsters to take the tutoring seriously as it will help them get good symbols for university entry.
Mr Samkelo Nkosi, from our sponsor ABI, spoke about the importance of organizations like Ikamva Youth and why they support and encourages them. He also spoke about the plan for other IY branches to be opened in future.
The previous Ikamvanites from Chesterville branch shared their experiences with Ikamva and tutors as well as how they improved with their skills in subjects like mathematics and physical science after joining Ikamva Youth to the learners. They also spoke about how they were easily accepted at Universities. The potential new learners were then given an opportunity to ask questions about the programme. The presence of parents made the day fulfiling, as some questions came from the parents. Application forms were then handed out to the learners.
Learners and some parents who were present at the open day
Learners were also entertained by the poetry and music from our previous Ikamvanites. The day ended with refreshments from ABI, and learners got the chance to meet with the tutors and taking pictures.
Umlazi Tutors, S’bonelo Cele and Thabisile Seme with Samukelo Nkosi
Lloyd Lungu