Ikamvanites got an opportunity to participate in one of the greatest conferences in Canada which deals with increasing learner achievement. The conference was packed with a vast amount of information on how we can engage learners in the 21st Century. The conference was well attended (900 people!) and sold out. It had people from the York Region and across Canada as well as other countries – everyone from Government officials to teachers and students. We also got an opportunity to present our great Ikamva Youth to many people at the conference and some South African government officials from South Africa.
We were welcomed by wonderful people in Toronto: Stephen Rensink and Scott Milne invited us to stay with their awesome families and they gave us a chance to see the beautiful country of Canada. First we went to see one of world’s greatest land marks, Niagara falls, which was an amazing experience. We also went to see the CN tower which is the 4th tallest free-standing structure on land.
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We have had enriching experience learning about Canada, the education system, and got new insights into our own work. Meeting with people from the Gauteng legislature, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Foundation and the York Region District School Board has been great for our organisation. It’s been great sharing our work with people from around the world, and we leave this place filled with new experiences, insights and contacts that will help us to build a better Ikamva.
[video:http://www.youtube.com/user/ikamvayouth#p/a/u/2/Grb66S6rJu4]
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Polly Saul came flying in to Masi 3 months ago to engage Ikamvanites in philosophy. With the assistance of Zoe Mann they delivered a course on the love of thought. Pondering expressions and inquisitive questions became the order of the day for the 11 participants on Thrusday afternoons. The sessions encouraged the learners to discuss questions, develop concepts and delve deeper into subjects they have never before given the time to.
The discussions were enthralling. Questions like; ‘what is certain in life?’; ‘What is evil?’; And ‘If we have a choice are we free?’ were generated throughout the last few months. As well as heated discussions about the Information Bill, Zuma’s many wives, and the value of culture in today’s society. A mind-blowing amount was discussed and many topics and ideas arose. Along with this many quotes were posed to the learners to get their philosophical juices bubbling in their minds. The favourite seemed to be ‘Nobody can be made to feel inferior without their permission’.
It has no doubt broadened their minds and started to provoke philosophical questions in everyday life. Their participation has improved their English skills, self-esteem, vocabulary, and the sense of self-belief is through the roof. We hope that we can continue this programme next year with a new group to crack open more young minds!
The Status of Youth Report 2010 aims to provide comprehensive information on the socio-economic and demographic circumstances of young people in South Africa. The NYDA act specify under section 6(1) that “ The agency must, every three years, submit to the President a report on the status of youth” and subsection 3 of section 6, state that “The President must table the report in Parliament within a reasonable time.
Tumi “Stumza” Thoka (IvoryPark Branch Exco member) was caught right-hand on camera, networking for IkamvaYouth with Laurein Graham(a PHD student at University of Johannesburg). The consultative forum ensures that the status of youth report provides accurate primary and secondary information on: Who are the youth? Where are they? What do they do? What are their key challenges? What opportunities are available for them? What interventions are necessary to support the youth and create opportunities for them?
You are welcome to voice out your views on these issues, the vocal IkamvaYouth delegates will voice them at the forum for the attention of the president.
Ikamva has two new volunteers from a Global Exchange Program run by the British Council. Francisco Armenta is a young graphic designer that works with a HIV testing agency and uses media to inform the public about HIV and AIDS. Francisco Armenta is currently one of the youngest HIV testers/counselors in Los Angeles, California. He will be helping the young adults of IkamvaYouth KZN with English, Computer Literacy, and STD’s and HIV awareness.
The second volunteer is from right here in Durban, South Africa Ayanda Chamane. She is a performing artist focused on poetry. She started professionally reciting poetry in 2006. Ayanda performed all around Durban in high schools, local radio stations, The Department of Arts and Culture, and The Centre of creative Arts at the University of KwaZulu Natal. Currently she helps organize poetry shows for the BAT Centre every 3rd Saturday of the month, where she invites poets from all around the country.
These two volunteers are extremely excited to work with the young adults in the IkamvaYouth program.
Wits Volunteers Programme – giving credit where it is due
Wits Volunteers programme honoured with certificates students that are making the institution proud
in the nation building projects in and around Johannesburg.
“Are you the change you want to see in your community?” – Moipone
“Volunteering is changing the future by making a difference today – act upon what you think is right.” – Peter
IkamvaYouth volunteers had an awesome evening.
Perhaps the defining feature of the success of all of IkamvaYouth’s programmes—including the winter schools – is the tireless and irrepressible efforts of an amazing and diverse group of the volunteers—THANK YOU to everyone who contributed. You are ALL Awesome and we look forward to the rest of the year with renewed energy and excitement. IF you’re looking for true AYOBA-ness then look no further than these Ikamvanites.
Lloyd Lungu