Education Without Borders (EwB), a Canadian based organisation, aims to provide improved educational opportunities and facilities in disadvantaged regions of the world and highlights the simplicity of mathematics and emphasises the critical importance of foundational skills while acknowledging the complicated challenges and circumstances of life, which many of IkamvaYouth learners are coping with. EwB focuses on our Grade 8s as the program helps lower grade learners understand basic maths principles. The program was facilitated by Nicolas Mei and he has been with the learners since its inception in 2011. Below we share some of the results we have achieved this year.
1.Quantitative Impact of the EWB Program
20 learners started the EwB program at the beginning of 2012 in total, 2 were excluded because of poor attendance, 2 dropped out and the 16 is still doing well in the program. All the learners come from different schools across Khayelitsha.
2. Class Assessments
We have held 4 internal assessment tests, with one written each term based on the four books covered, including a revision test at the end of the year
The assessment tests results are shown below:
Average Book 1 & Book 2 vs. Term 1 & 2 Test Results Statistics
Figure 1: EWB learner term 1 & 2 math results and school grade aggregate result comparison.
Figure 1 shows some great results in learners school reports, gained after they have achieved good results in the internal test for the term after the completion of Book 1&2, which provided training for their June exams. For the majority of the class their tests scores covered by the books were significantly higher than the school results.
3. Book 3 vs. Term 3 Test Results Statistics
Figure 2: EWB learner term 3 math result and school grade aggregate result comparison.
Figure 2 shows some momentum by the EwB learners in their school results, gained after they achieved good results in the internal test for the term after completing Book 3. By this point the books are catching up with the work they are dealing with in class and the results show a significant increase not only in mathematics but in all other subjects as their confidence grows.
4. Outstanding Learners
The learners who have participated throughout the year and attended regularly showed the greatest improvement and delivered results not only in math, but also in other academic areas. In some cases where we saw huge imprvements in math results or term averages, the learners were visibly more confident and focused on achieving an understanding of the subject. Learners that stood out even more were those that did not only have major leaps in their math results, but who also provided their peers with the necessary help to achieve.
These learners are wonderful examples of the excellence of the class and their results for the three terms are highlighted below.
|
|
Term 1
|
Term 2
|
Term 3
|
Term 4
|
|
Learner 1
|
62%
|
74%
|
87%
|
82%
|
|
Learner 2
|
64%
|
61%
|
70%
|
77%
|
|
Learner 3
|
75%
|
64%
|
77%
|
98%
|
Table 2: EWB outstanding learners throughout the year.
These learners didn’t only achieve academically, they also received Ikamva Youth Best Attendance, Most Committed and Top Learner for achieving 95%+ attendance, for showing leadership and commitment in class.
Looking at the grade 9s of 2012, that took part in the program, most of the learners scored 70% and above and 8 learners scroring a level 80% and above in the final exams. This shows the great impact and the good foundation that the program provides the learners. This is also very good for IkamvaYouth and our mission of getting more black learners into tertiary institutions and with the results that we currently have, we can foresee a bigger group of learners that will become the scientist, engineers and doctors we need in this country.
IkamvaYouth is very thankful to Education Without Borders for enabling us to implement the Math Yes We Can books for our Grade 8’s, and also for making a difference in the future of our youth. Special thanks to: Cecil and Ruth Hershler-funding provided through Education Without Borders, ‘Yes We Can’ math books writen by Dr Rahael Jalan and Nicholas Mei – Grade 8 facilitator.
IkamvaYouth has always recognised the importance of creative expression through media; the Media, Image & Expression (MIE) programme was first established at the Makhaza branch in 2006. Over the years, we’ve seen our learners build their identities and self-confidence through various projects and forms of media; from photography and poetry to developing documentaries with mobile phones.
This year, through a partnership with Reel Lives, MIE was taken to a whole new level at Makhaza and Nyanga. Lyle and Leah came all the way from New York City only three months ago, and during this time have worked intensively with six learners to produce amazing films.
It was at the pitch event that we first really realised what they’ve been up to. We weren’t quite expecting such deeply personal stories, and we were concerned for our learners and their families about the levels of disclosure. The small audience of IY staff, partners and filmmakers had the opportunity to engage with the learners. It was remarkable to hear about the positive shifts this process has enabled, and it was humbling to witness the learners’ confident resolve and willingness to share their stories with the world. Kuhle explained that having the opportunity to interview family members and film them with this expensive equipment in his house, gave him the opportunity to be taken seriously and to have conversations he’d been waiting for. The camera was described as both a weapon and a shield.
Through their films, our learners faced their greatest fears and tackled their most difficult issues. Nkosazana shares the story of her family, affected by school drop-outs, teenage pregnancy, alcoholism and financial challenges. Ambesa works through issues of abandonment, family secrets and disappointments in her transformational film entitled Ndikuxolele (Forgiveness). In Xola (Peace), Mpumi re-connects with her absent father and rebuilds their relationship and Zintle shares her deepest fears for her safety in There Is No Safe Place. Sinobom confronts her mother when she discovers that she and her sister have different fathers in Mntasekhaya (My Mother’s Child), and in A Closet in Makhaza, Kuhle tells his family that he is gay. Click on the filmmakers’ names and watch their films!
Reel Lives engaged extensively with the learners and their families about which issues to include in the final films and the implications and potential consequences of screening them and uploading them online.
Nevertheless, in the leadup to the premiere we were anxious. On the 24th November, ikamvanites, family members and friends filled the generously availed Labia theatre to watch the films. For many, it was the first visit to the cinema and there was a lot of excitement. The start was a little rocky, with chattering, giggles and popcorn, but as we moved through the films, one could feel the audience shifting and becoming increasingly captivated. Kuhle’s film was the last screened, and the tension from those of us who knew what was coming was palpable. What a way to come out when one comes from a community where homophobia is the norm, and being openly gay puts your safety at risk!
And yet we needn’t have worried. The ikamvanites in the audience went wild with applause, and were then offered an opportunity to speak to the filmmakers who were standing up front. The feedback was powerfully affirming:
“You are our heroes. You guys have such guts. Thank you for being our leaders and our role-models; we are so proud of you. We love you.” IY tutor
Every person in the cinema that day was touched and impressed.
“The day was totally inspirational, a little heartbreaking, and totally amazing. It was one of the most moving I have ever experienced” IY WC district coordinator
“The films were mind blowing, all very touching and so important for healing in our country” Richard Mills, director of Street Talk
Reel Lives’ work is transformational on multiple levels. Our learners have developed impressive skills and experience, by carrying out every phase of the filmmaking process themselves; from story development and filming to editing and subtitling. The high-end professional equipment and software they’ve learned to use not only ensures that the films are gorgeous (what a treat to see them on the big screen!), but that our learners are well-positioned to access scholarships for film school or internships in the film industry.
Our learners’ lives have changed through the process of asking big questions, engaging with their families and tackling their greatest fears and difficulties. The positive shifts in learners’ self-confidence, self-expression and relationships that have taken place over the past months are phenomenal. They’ve re-connected with estranged family members, moved from anger to forgiveness and peace, and bodly declared who they are.
Most transformational of all, however, is the impact these films have on the people who see them. For young people to see films made by their peers, about their communities and the issues that affect their lives is a great opportunity. These brave, open-hearted films will challenge and inspire everyone who sees them. Already, Kuhle has been approached by young gay men who’ve now seen that coming out can lead to community acceptance, support, admiration and celebration.
The transformational impact of these films extends from the filmmakers’ individual experiences to those of their audiences. We’re looking forward to Reel Lives making more films with more ikamvanites at more branches, and to screening these films for massive audiences across the country and the world.
IkamvaYouth sends out a big shout out of thanks and love to the filmmakers and Reel Lives for doing such beautiful work.
Nyanga learners added a green element to IY values as they participated in an environmental workshop this month. On the 17th of November, ERM’s Andreas Stoll came to help Nyanga branch with the official launch of the Nyanga Green Team. The morning started off with a discussion of the environment and Nyanganites were up to the task; pointing out many things in their environments and lifestyles that are not environment-friendly. At the end of the session, Nyanganites answered the question of what this knowledge means for them. The Green Team, comprised largely of our Grade 8learners, met together and proposed the first project they shall run at the branch, which is s paper recycling project. We are excited as Nyanga continues to soar to even greener heights.
The past three months have seen a few of the Nyanga and Makhaza learners turn into local short film documentary film makers – learning valuable industry skills, while grappling with real issues they face in their lives. Partnering with a US based organisation,
Reel Lives, who use
filmaking media to support education, empowerment and social change.
Each of our learners in the program shot and edited an individual, non-fiction film related to a personal human rights issue in their own lives. Through the process of making these films, they were supported in engaging with their own lives in a unique way, and in experiencing the catharsis of an informal, but powerful, art therapy structure.
Have a look at their teasers, as well as read about the process and what they’ve got up to over the past three months here.
And now please join us in supporting our learners for the premiere of their films!
Saturday November 24th, 11:30am (doors open @ 11am. Please arrive early, limited seating)
Labia Theatre, 68 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town
FREE entry, Donations appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you there, please feel free to bring along partners / friends / family
The big number of parents that attended, showed the willingness and dedication these parents have for their children’s education.
At the meeting a number of issues were discussed with some of the more important issues being the role IkamvaYouth plays, attendance, the IY mission and vision, the benefits of being part of IY, report collection and tertiary placements for 2012 grade 12s. The parents also spoke about their experiences of the program, the concerns they have and how all the different projects and tutoring plays a role in shaping the lives of their children. The parents were excited about what their children are doing at Ikamva Youth and also looked forward to reaping the rewards and sharing in the successes of their children.
Also part of the meeting was the tutors who had opportunity to voice their opinions, concerns and successes they had while tutoring this year. One thing that stood out was the willingness of everyone present to make this program a success. One parent noted that this is one of the very few organisations that add value to her child as well as her life. She said that education is key in fighting poverty and finding a way out of township life and thanked IkamvaYouth for accepting her child in the programme. A grade 12 parent noted that money is one of the biggest stumbling blocks that keep their children from going to university and through IkamvaYouth’s involvement and our endeavors in helping students get bursaries, paying the application and registration fees, we are helping to make their dreams a reality.
The success of our programme is directly linked to the involvement of parents and through the interaction at the meeting we realised that the future of this beautiful country is looking bright. There is a willingness of people everywhere to make a difference and once a vision is shared it becomes a reality. Success breeds success and this saying was proved at the meeting. If everyone plays their role, no matter how small and insignificant they might think it is, change is possible.
Two Gauteng Ikamvanites (Nyasha Mutasa & Modjadji-M Selowe) attended the Nalibali Reading for enjoyment initiative (www.nalibali.org) in partnership with University of Johannesburg(UJ) and Avusa Media (www.Avusa.co.za)
This initiative aims to get South African people (children and adults) passionate about telling and reading stories. Nalibali uses the power of stories, both oral and written in different languages, to inspire children to desire to read and write. Through reading, telling stories and writing, both adults and children get to know one another in relaxed and nurturing ways.
Books and stories deepen our thinking by stretching our imaginations and encouraging creative problem solving. IkamvaYouth Gauteng is passionate about literacy development hence we support and encourage learners to read through the Nalibali initiatives.
Let’s read , write, tell our stories and build a literate community
Lloyd Lungu