IkamvaYouth is a township-based volunteer programme that gets learners out of poverty and into university has once again shown that transformation is possible, despite the odds.
IkamvaYouth seeks to appoint a Branch Coordinator, based in Makhaza Western Cape.
The social entrepreneur must be passionate about the power of education to transform lives and communities, and wants to make a difference. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in a by-youth for-youth educational movement that empowers young people to take their futures into their own hands.
As an organisation that supports community development, the candidate must be South African and ideally reside in Makhaza or surrounding areas.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate the branch, after-school sessions and weekend tutorials;
- Ensure policies and processes are implemented for successful programme delivery;
- Recruit, coordinate and support volunteer tutors and mentors;
- Contract and agreement negotiation with community stakeholders
- Community Liason; with the schools, community centres, CBOs and NGOs;
- Fundraise to build and sustain the branch (meeting with funders, writing proposals and reports, reporting, monitoring and evaluation);
- Manage an office and ensure accurate and up-to date data collection and administration for monitoring and evaluation;
- Budgeting, financial management and reporting;
- Coordinate branch communication (social media, website, group e-mail discussion lists, newsletters, etc.) together with other ikamvanites;
- Lead a team of volunteers to implement the supplementary tutoring, career guidance and mentoring and holiday programmes.
Requirements:
- Well developed management skills to manage a branch, staff, donors, sponsors, funders, learners, and community expectations;
- High level of stakeholder relationship management and negotiation skills
- Highly organised and efficient;
- Impeccable time management, data collection and reporting ability;
- High level of attention to detail;
- Ability to work alone and take initiative;
- Facilitation and presentation skills- the incumbant will be required to address large groups of learners, volunteers, parents and chair stakeholder meetings
- Adept at using computers (Micosoft Office, social media and internet);
- Ability to work virtually (many discussions, meetings and document development occur collaboratively online);
- Passion for working with young people, a pro-active energy and an outgoing personality will be most suitable for this role;
- Minimum of three year degree and two years work experience or five years relevant work experience (ideally in youth development; project planning, implementation and management)
- Own transport will be an advantage
Gross salary: R14 000 per month.
To apply, submit a CV AND motivation letter with “Branch Coordinator – ‘Makhaza’ in the subject line to careers@ikamvayouth.org.
For more about IkamvaYouth, refer to https://ikamvayouth.org.www518.jnb1.host-h.net.
We have learnt a lot this year.
We have learnt that collaboration is not merely partnering for mutual benefit – an “I get something, you get something” scenario. We have come to view collaboration as assisting one another to achieve something more together than we could alone.
Last year saw IkamvaYouth work with several other organisations who were delivering after-school tutoring in the Western Cape. From January to November a group of between 4 and 12 organsiations would meet monthly to share what they had learnt over the last month and together we discussed and created solutions to our collective challenges.
Collaborative Community Workshop
In addition, when possible IkamvaYouth were able to visit organisations, provide advice and guidance on their specific problems and learn from them about the realities of their context and what could be done to lessen the obstacles that are inherent to these contexts.
The organisations who participated in 2014 were: EwB, Grassroots Boxing, Sozo Foundation, Ikamva Labantwana Bethu, SALT, Amandla Edufootball, Nebula Skateboarding, Masakhaneni Community Development, Emagqabini, and SAEP.
The majority of these organisations improved the quality, sustainability and even size of their programmes over the year. I can’t possibly list all the achievements as they are numerous but some particular examples of success are worth mentioning.
Nebula Skateboarding is an organisation that combines skateboarding and tutoring. They offer primary aged learners the opportunity to get help with their homework, learn to skate, and access a specialised curriculum that draws connections between skateboarding and life! This curriculum explores the concepts of self-awareness, discipline and self-expression and looks to develop various aspects of the learner – both socially and academically – to prepare them to rise above the challenges and obstacles that they are likely to face.
Siya shares his dream to be a skateboarder and mechanical engineer!
Rayne Moses, the founder of the organisation has worked tirelessly this year to: secure a grant from The Learning Trust, secure a venue, establish a consistent programme, entice more learners into the programme and even explore an additional site. Check-out this amazing video that was made for Nebula, which shows just how far they have come!
Sozo Foundation went from strength to strength last year, through the incredible and inspiring commitment of the Sozo team. Consistent improvements in learner’s attendance, receipt of grant funding and rewards, and building a whole new building were just some of their achievements. The hard work that was put in last year by the staff, tutors and learners was acknowledged at the end of year prize-giving, which I had the honour of attending.
Prize-giving in the new Sozo Educentre!
SALT’s admirable determination to learn from others and to improve their programme proved to do wonders for their Saturday morning tutoring sessions. A sight to be seen! Eager learners, committed enthusiastic tutors and welcoming staff was truly inspiring! The quality of their programme was reflected in their amazing results. Out of 11 grade 12s, 7 were placed in tertiary education institutions in the fields of mechanical engineering, physiotherapy, psychology, maths & science, and computer technology! The other 4 are being supported by SALT and are rewriting supplementary exams in March.
While all the organisations involved would have likely implemented tutoring programmes and may well have achieved these feats without IkamvaYouth’s support, being part of a connected community who could be called upon in times of need or doubt, and a community that could provide connections and resources has proven to be a hugely valuable initiative.
“It has been such a privilege and honour to be part of the Collaborative Community, partnering with IkamvaYouth and other likeminded organisations!…We have learnt so much from the monthly meetings and one-to-one mentoring sessions particularly with the foundational structures of our programme.” Arlene Block, Sozo Foundation.
The collaborative community will continue in 2015, with the support of The Learning Trust and hopefully grow and strengthen to form a country-wide support network for after-school organisations that allows us to achieve more by working together than any of us could alone.
If you are an after-school education organisation and would like to discuss how IkamvaYouth and other organisations are (or could be) working together and sharing resources to increase the impact of all our programmes please get in contact.
Visit www.ikamvayouth.org/vision2030 or contact zoe@ikamvayouth.org for information on training and support services.
IkamvaYouth – Cape Town, Western Cape
IkamvaYouth is a township-based volunteer programme that gets learners out of poverty and into university has once again shown that transformation is possible, despite the odds.
IkamvaYouth seeks to appoint a District Coordinator, based in Cape Town
This social entrepreneur must be passionate about the power of education to transform lives and communities, and want to make a difference. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in a by-youth for-youth education movement that empowers young people to take their futures into their own hands.
As an organisation that supports community development, the candidate must be South African and ideally reside in Western Cape Province
Responsibilities:
Steering the strategic direction of the district and enabling growth;
Budget development and financial management;
Manage stakeholder relationships, including funders, sponsors and the community;
Fundraising;
Producing narrative and financial reports
Site visits to branches;
Supervise branch staff to ensure that the required outcomes are achieved;
Provide support and oversight to branch coordinators
Represent and liaise with branch coordinators for Natcom;
Fulfill related HR functions for branches;
Ensure quality delivery of programmes and implementation of IY policies and processes at branches.
Requirements:
Advanced management skills to manage a branches, staff, donors, sponsors, funders, learners, and community expectations;
Highly organised and efficient;
Impeccable time management, data collection and reporting ability;
High level of attention to detail;
Ability to work alone, take initiative, and manage teams;
Adept at using computers (Micosoft Office, social media and internet);
Ability to work virtually (many discussions, meetings and document development occur collaboratively online);
Passion for working with young people, a pro-active energy and an outgoing personality will be most suitable for this role;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Minimum of three year degree and five years’ work experience (ideally in youth development; project planning, implementation and management)
Own transport will be an advantage
To apply, submit a CV WITH motivation letter to careers@ikamvayouth.org. Please use “WC DC” in your subject line
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No late applications will be accepted.
For more about IkamvaYouth, refer to https://ikamvayouth.org.www518.jnb1.host-h.net.
Salary: R17,250.00 /month
On the 07 February 2015, we had an amazing turnout from parents and learners; the hall was packed to capacity where there was a distinct feeling of excitement and hope for the year. 50 learners and 35 parents attended the event.
We presented IkamvaYouth programs and values to our new learners and their parents. We assisted to a genuine sharing of experiences through the comments and questions of the parents. And thanks to both speeches of Phumza Kibi and Thulisa Myeki.
We also have our first meeting with grade 12’s parents to prepare for 2015; the meeting was successful and we got full participation from parents and learners.
We are happy to announce that on the 07 February 2015 we already registered 52 new learners and we have issued out quite a lot of application forms during the Open Day. We are now looking at a total of 106 learners who have registered with IkamvaYouth Masiphumelele this year.
We are still looking at recruiting 5 Grade 9’s, 20 Grade 10’s, and as for Grade 11’s we only taking learners for waiting list now. Grade 12’s we have 24 for the year 2015.
The Masiphumelele Branch will officially be starting its Home-work session on Monday 9 February 2015 at 15:30 until 17:30. We look forward to host this day.
Let me extend a warm appreciation to all those who have assisted us during the Open Day and let’s keep it up guys, work has begun!
IkamvaYouth is partnering with the Western Cape Government to implement after-school programming to learners in township schools. The aim is to ensure significant academic improvement, assist learners with their subject selection and enable them to build the skills they need to take their futures into their own hands.
A range of academic, cultural, and physical activities will be offered every day after-school to learners in grades 8 and 9 at the chosen MOD Centres. The Year Beyond Schools Coordinator will coordinate the project and facilitate the delivery of the academic support component, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of these after-school programmes by working closely with the independent service providers and stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinating the implementation of after-school programmes in secondary schools in a township community in Western Cape;
- Negotiate and manage schedule;
- Ensure that IY model is being implemented; attendance tracking and kick-outs affected, tutor pedagogy, parents meetings, Branch Committees, Strategic Planning weekend, Winter School, Prize-giving;
- Ensure literacy and numeracy partner programmes are implemented to a high standard and that analytics are tracked and reported accurately;
- Manage programme delivery budgets and spending against budget,s; handle cash books and deliver accurate monthly financial report
- Monitor increase in academic performance through measurement and implementation of strategies to achieve impact;
- Manage the relationships between the volunteers, principal/teachers, and MOD Centre staff;
- Submit quarterly narrative and excel reports capturing attendance, report collection, test results;
- Ensure that volunteers and staff are regularly blogging and uploading to social media platforms;
- Aid the project manager to plan and implement a successful training week and ongoing quarterly training with the volunteers alongside the schools coordinator;
- Facilitate weekly de-briefs with volunteers; session planning, implementation and feedback
Requirements:
- Minimum of three year degree or five years’ work experience (ideally in youth development; project planning, implementation and management)
- Advanced management skills to manage sites, volunteers, donors, sponsors, funders, learners, and community expectations;
- Highly organised and efficient;
- Impeccable time management, data collection and reporting ability;
- High level of attention to detail;
- Ability to work alone, take initiative, and manage teams;
- Adept at using computers (Microsoft Office, social media and internet);
- Ability to work virtually (many discussions, meetings and document development occur collaboratively online);
- Passion for working with young people, a pro-active energy and an outgoing personality will be most suitable for this role;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Driving licence and own transport
Gross Salary: R 12 650
To apply, submit a CV and motivation letter with “Year Beyond- Schools Coordinator” in the subject line to careers@ikamvayouth.org.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No late applications will be accepted.
For more about IkamvaYouth, refer to https://ikamvayouth.org.www518.jnb1.host-h.net.
For more information about the Year Beyond programme, refer to http://www.westerncape.gov.za/yearbeyond.
Some say that the beginning of the year is always daunting, whether you’re starting a new academic year, or even meeting new people. Well our matric class of 2015 begs to differ. Saturday, 24th January, our bright stars were at the branch bright and early, eagerly waiting to meet the people they aspire to be like one day, their mentors.
In asking one of the learners on their expectations of the day, Yamkela Fobosi said, “I am very excited to meet a person who has already accomplished the things I want to accomplish. I cannot wait for him to tell me all the things that I must do in order to achieve my dreams!”
Mentor Day kicked off with a welcoming from Zukile Keswa, the Branch Coordinator. In attendance were over 20 mentors, ranging from UCT students to working professionals. Tamara Stelma, the Mentorship Coordinator from UCT, introduced the programme to everyone and shared the schedule for the day. The mentors and mentees were paired according to the results of a questionnaire the mentees and mentors completed prior to the event. During the one on one session they signed a commitment agreement contract that stipulated the number of hours that they had to be in contact with each other. From the library, to the lab, to the office you could see the mentors and mentees engaged in conversation getting well acquainted and creating a timeline for the year. One mentor said that the day was productive and a great way of networking with other great minds (mentors) and is looking forward to the rest of the year, coaching and inspiring this exciting bunch.
The day concluded with a discussion with the Grade 12s led by Busiswa Dayimani, the Branch Assistant, on the prospects for the year. What is expected of them, what they should expect from the year and what steps to take from now onwards. “There is still quite a lot of work to be done but if we put in the necessary work we are destined for success…” Busi said to the learners as they attentively listened. Energies are high, expectations are high, and we cannot wait to see what this year holds for the matric class of 2015.
With this well integrated support structure, the sky is the limit for these young stars.
Lloyd Lungu