By: Nicola-Ann Jukes, Business Development Manager
Last Friday morning, Analo, an IkamvaYouth learner from the class of 2023, came into the Masiphumelele Branch to share her matric results with the branch staff, who she has come to regard as a family. She has been a learner at the branch since 2022 and we have been at her side supporting her and championing her efforts as she moved through her academic journey. She joined the branch as she desperately wanted to improve her marks and have a safe space to study in after school. Friday marked a momentous day for Analo as she has applied to CPUT to study tourism, setting her on a pathway to a successful career and dignified life not just for herself but for her family too. When Analo came into the office, tears were already welling up in her eyes. She was greeted by Sisanda Ntsokotha, a former learner at the branch now the Branch Assistant. Analo burst into tears, sobbing as she shared the news: she had done it! She achieved a bachelor pass and is now one step closer to realising her dreams. Something that seemed impossible to her when she joined the branch.
Analo attended one of the poorest performing schools in the Western Cape, Ocean View High School, situated in Ocean view, an area infamous for its high crime rates, gangsterism and extreme poverty. Ocean View High School produced a dismal pass rate of 54%. Her fellow Ikamvanites at the Masiphumelele branch would have either attended Ocean View High too, or Masiphumelele High School, which only achieved a pass rate of 61% and again is situated in an area plagued by similar issues This context is vital when reviewing the pass rates and achievements of the IkamvaYouth class of 2023. At IkamvaYouth we only work in under-resourced schools in township areas. Collectively our feeder schools achieved a pass rate of 80% and of that 64% of learners will be eligible for tertiary education. This means that 4 out of every ten children at our feeder school will not be able to study further. This paints a very bleak picture in a country where the unemployment rate is currently at 31.9%, and the youth unemployment rate is at 62.1% with education being the key to employment. Through the power of the IkamvaYouth model we are able to create an environment where learners are able to defy the odds of their circumstances and get on track to the road to success.
In a context marked by uncertainty and hardship the IkamvaYouth class of 2023 achieved a stellar 89.4% pass rate. This remarkable feat soars above the national average of 82%, demonstrating what can happen when learners are supported. The quality of passes were significant, as 79.3% learners are now eligible for tertiary education, of which 55.1% were Bachelor passes. We saw a marked increase in distinctions achieved by our learners who collectively achieved 230 distinctions up from 170 in 2022.
Zooming in on the achievements at each branch, our top achieving branch was the Diepsloot branch with a phenomenal 100% pass rate, with Kuyasa Branch coming in at a close second with 98%. The Western Cape was our top performing province with a 92% pass rate and the Gauteng branches were close behind them with a 90% pass rate.
Celebrations at the Ivory Park Branch
Regional Overview
In Gauteng the overall pass rate was 90%. The top achieving branch was the Diepsloot Branch in this region, with a 100% pass rate, 96% tertiary pass rate, of which 79% were Bachelor passes. A very big congratulations to the Diepsloot Branch!
Learners celebrate at Matric Day in Diepsloot
The Western Cape was our top performing region with an overall pass rate of 92%. The top achieving branch in this region was the Kuyasa Branch, with a 98% pass rate, 91% tertiary pass rate, of which 65% were Bachelor passes. Four of our six branches in this region achieved pass rates of 90% or over!
A learner at the Nyanga Branch shares her results with the branch staff
Zooming in on the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal region, where the overall pass rate of 87%. The top achieving branch was the Chesterville Branch, with a 95% pass rate, 95% tertiary pass rate with 67% of these being Bachelor passes.
Matric Day at the Chesterville Branch
In the North West the top achieving branch was the Ikageng Branch, with a 92% pass rate and a 77% tertiary pass rate.
Celebrations at the Ikageng branch on Matric Day
Learners, tutors and staff jump for joy at Matric Day at the Ebony Park Branch
It is important to note that some of our branches have a high number of progressed learners, this is a learner who did not meet the minimum requirements to pass the previous grade but is being moved to the next grade. The IkamvaYouth programmes support any learner regardless of their marks when they join the branch. It is vital to support these learners as they are at risk of falling into the 45% of children who do not make it through the education system. As has been widely reported, even though the Department of Basic Education achieved a 82.9% pass rate of the 1, 208, 973 learners who enrolled in grade 1 in 2012 only 715, 719 full time and 182, 056 part time candidates registered to write the matric exams. Of this cohort of children a shocking 210, 673 learners dropped out of the system from grade 11 to matric.
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Behind these impressive statistics are 668 young bright resilient individuals who have overcome immense challenges to secure their futures. Through IkamvaYouth’s unique programme of academic support, mentoring and life skills development they have not just passed but gained the confidence and skills to thrive in the world beyond.
“This year’s results are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our learners and volunteers,” says Hope Chidawanyika, CEO of IkamvaYouth. “Despite the difficulties they faced, they remained focused and determined, pushing themselves to achieve their full potential. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them. We will continue on our mission to partner with DBE to improve academic outcomes of learners in under-resourced communities through the power of the IkamvaYouth model. It is through the support of our countless stakeholders, our donors, volunteers, Board and staff that this achievement was possible. We are extremely thankful to all the supporters of the IkamvaYouth Programmes – you made this possible.”
Well done class of 2023, now go out into the world and show them what you are made of!
Celebrations at the Mamelodi Branch on Matric Day
Lloyd Lungu