The learners, parents, tutors, mentors, staff and partners all came together, on the 1st of February 2014 in Chesterville, with one purpose of sharing and receiving information on the purpose of IkamvaYouth, the main founding principles and the things that have kept IY going thus far. The main aim for the event was to give potential learners a feel and understanding of who IY is and for them to know the expectations that IY has of them and also to remind those who are already Ikamvanites about these same expectations and requirements so that all parties move forward in the year ahead with a clear head and zeal towards making 2014 yet another fruitful and productive year. 
The parents had an opportunity to hear for themselves what their children are a part of and get a sneak on the activities that transpired in the previous year and therefore a picture of what to expect in the current year.
The event began with a warm welcoming of all parties, followed by a brief synopsis of the purpose and the reason as to why there has been such a gathering. Then the Branch Coordinator (Nelisa Luhabe)enthralled the audience with a presentation she had prepared for them, giving them an overview on the major events and activities that took place in the previous year. The presentation also had details on who can become a member of the IY team and how, followed by a showdown on the expectations and requirements directed to all those who do become members, this was a crucial moment as these form the foundation that one requires to make it to the end as an Ikamvanite. It also contained details on the achievements of IY as a whole thus far and also those of the Chesterville branch individually, (included herein were the achievements of the learners i.e. the matrics).This information allowed all to comprehend the major role and significance of IY in our underprivileged communities and how it can continue with its endeavors as more learners commit themselves to the programme that IY offers them.
All persons in their different categories got an opportunity to be represented as individuals shared their own experiences of IY in their respective positions, what IY means to them and how it has helped them to give or receive thus grooming them into the people they are today.
We also had a wonderful talk by our partner representatives, Samukelo Nkosi of ABI and his team, who motivated the learners and gave them hope for the future, encouragement and reinforcement that they (the learners) have not made a mistake by being a part of IY. They also assured them that the work they do is from their hearts and are happy to play a role in the progression of IY in advancing our communities through education. And to make it even more exciting having them that day, one of them couldn’t leave without signing up as a tutor for the Chesterville branch!
Amidst all the information there were some great performances prepared by the learners that really took people to another level. The day ended with a note of thanks from the District Coordinator (Thabisile Seme) who acknowledged and appreciated everyone who forms a part of IY Chesterville, thanking them for their participation, contribution and loyalty to the programme..
By the time the programme ended the learners were looking forward to the New Year and the parents had a clearer picture of the role of IY in their children’s education.
Lloyd Lungu