Umlazi Open Day/Prize giving

More than 150 community members from Umlazi AA section and surrounding areas came to the AA Library to learn more about IkamvaYouth last week Saturday on the 19th of January 2013.  Among those in attendance, were existing and potential lkamvaNites, parents, and partners ABI & the library.

 

The Branch Assistant N’thabiseng Zwane welcomed our guests with the help of one of the IkamvaYouth learners Sindisiwe Sibisi who sang a beautiful song to open the day, Branch Coordinator S’bonelo Cele presented Funeka’s story which explains IkamvaYouth in 3 minutes and then briefly explained in broader detail what IkamvaYouth does. A group of learners presented a play/poem on what IkamvaYouth means to them, followed by one of our tutors Samukelo Jili who spoke on behalf of all the tutors explaining to the community what they need from them in assisting the learners in problem areas.

 

The ABI Cooperate Social Investment Coordinator from KZN Samukelo Nkosi, spoke on behalf of ABI explaining the role they play in society including IkamvaYouth and shared some words of wisdom to everyone in the hall. This was followed by Andile Memela the Head Liberian at the AA library on its involvement with IkamvaYouth.

 

After a word from our guests, the floor was opened for a Q and A session with S’bonelo. During the refreshments break guests were treated to a performance by two local poets who recited a piece on HIV/AIDS, later joined by two local contemporary dancers. This was followed by a rap group that performed a song they had written about IkamvaYouth which got crowd interaction.

As the final part of the day we moved on to prize giving. The prize giving is IkamvaYouth’s way of commending the learners who are dedicated to the program. This year’s prizes were sponsored by ABI, which shows their ongoing support for the branch.   The learners took pictures with their gift bags, followed by lunch which was sponsored ABI. Now we look forward to the year ahead.

 

Lloyd Lungu

031 909 3590
lloyd@ikamvayouth.org
2525 Ngcede Grove, Umlazi AA Library, 4031

Lloyd is a self-disciplined and highly goal-driven Industrial Psychology Honours graduate. He is currently a Master's candidate completing his second year of M.Com in Industrial Psychology at the University of the Free State. Lloyd joined IkamvaYouth as a learner in 2012, after matriculating he came back and volunteered as a tutor for the duration of his undergraduate studies at UKZN. He later worked as an Intern in the Chesterville branch. His passion for youth empowerment and inclusion has grown enormously through his time and experience gained within IkamvaYouth and has inspired him to provide career guidance to young township people. He is currently working at the Umlazi Branch as a Branch Assistant.