While the winter school programme flowed as a normal yearly activity for most Ikamva Youth Branches, in Ikageng it was a whole new glamorous adventure. Kicking off for the very first time, the first week was a learning environment for all players (the IY staff, Volunteers, learners and other bodies involved). Day one started with Tutor training facilitated by Joy Oliver, the main objective being to install rules, knowledge and guidelines on how best to facilitate tutoring achieving positive results.
Meanwhile learners were watching real life motivational videos, followed by setting up of rules and regulations governing the whole winter school operations. Learners were grouped into nine groups and a tutor delegated on each group so they would work together. The afternoon stream was hosted by Mmbane Art and Culture with Aerobics experiences, sharing with learners on how to stay fit and healthy through exercises.
Day two saw the morning session starting with an ice breaker, registering and moving on into English Fundamentals led by Lewis Mash. The activity involved an English exercise where learners were given question papers to answer and engage into revision and discussion to improve their understanding on the subject. Tutoring in all subjects followed with all learners actively studying with the help of tutors from North West University (NWU), Potchefstroom Campus and other volunteers to ensure maximum understanding.
The afternoon sessions went well with Berrie Stoop from the SA Business and Training Academy having come to address the learners interested in Engineering and Business studies on life skills and how they can fit into the respective departments after they matriculate. The North West School of Design was also there to share experience and skills as well as guidance to the learners interested in the same field.
Each day brought new surprises and adventures for Ikageng Ikamvanites with day three and four starting on a new impressive note into Math and English Fundamentals with interesting facilitation by the Maths and English legible tutors and high participation from learners. The continued tutoring sessions captured liking from learners every step forward with the afternoon streams involving a video skype presentation by Thapelo Legkowa, a Journalist from the Daily Maverick for learners interested in Media and Journalism and life skills presentation from FAMSA.
Having successfully completed the first week of its first winter school, Ikageng started the second week on a higher note with much activities taking place throughout the week. Continued Maths and English exercises and intensive tutoring on all subjects throughout the four days of week two greatly benefited the learners. Career guidance workshops proceeded with more presentations from FAMSA and SA BTA continuing. The NWU Department of Social Studies represented by Dr. Goodrich also came in to present on the social history, advantages, chances and requirements of getting into Social Studies. Victor Boqo, a photographer and journalist from the Potchefstroom Herald and Gazette also came in to guide learners into Media and Mr Ramotale Ramasimong from the Potchefstroom Health and Wellness Centre Presented on HIV/AIDS and health issues.
Friday the 5th of July was the last day of winter school, filled with fun, talent and expression. Innovative Ikamvanites presented their skills in Speech delivery, Drama, Poetry, Talk Show, Comedy, Singing and dancing, celebrating success in the most exquisite winter school as IkamvaYouth celebrates 10years of existence.
Lloyd Lungu