IkamvaYouth SA

Our Alumni and current volunteers from our IkamvaYouth Ikageng Branch in the North West attended a 5 days skills development course on Appliance Repairs. The course was facilitated by the Tshwane University of Technology and ran from the 26-30 of August. They are set to graduate in November and we could not be more prouder!

Grade 11 learners from our IkamvaYouth Gugulethu Branch in the Western Cape attended a valuable workshop on Stress Management hosted by YouthCare at the Amandla SafeHub. The engaging session was expertly facilitated by Anelisa Lilipho Makeleni and Managaliso Mijiwa , who shared insightful knowledge and practical strategies to help our learners effectively manage stress during this exam time. We appreciate the efforts of YouthCare and our facilitators in empowering our young minds with essential life skills .

Official Notice of IkamvaYouth's 2024 Annual General Meeting

It’s that time of the year again, when we come together to reflect on the past year and put our minds together for the one ahead! You are warmly invited to attend IkamvaYouth’s 2024 AGM.
The 2024 Annual General meeting will take place on Saturday, 14th September 2024 from 09:00 to 11:30 virtually.

To RSVP, click the link here https://buff.ly/4g7YneT
To access our 2024 AGM Pack, click the link here https://buff.ly/3AM0mp8
Virtual venue for the meeting will be held here https://buff.ly/47bdHmP

We look forward to seeing you there

The value and impact of our volunteer tutors cannot be overstated. Kwenzakwenkosi, a tutor at our IkamvaYouth Umlazi branch in KwaZulu-Natal shares why she continues to pay-it-forward to the next generation. Let’s help more tutors like Kwenzakwenkosi to support the next generation of learners with academic tutoring. Click the link to our BackABuddy page to make a donation!

https://buff.ly/3R0ntBJ

It was an exciting day as tutors and learners from the Ikageng branch attended their first Youth Learning Festival at the North West University on 16 August 2024. The festival was hosted by the Sustainability and Impact department. Various stakeholders and NGOs that have a social impact were present and exhibited their work to each other, students and lecturers.

Our IkamvaYouth Kuyasa Branch in the Western Cape recently hosted a successful soccer
tournament for grade 8 and 9 learners, aimed at boosting enthusiasm and engagement in the programme. The event also explored innovative strategies to enhance attendance. Well done to the Kuyasa Branch on the successful initiative.

We pride ourselves on our partnership with Ehwoza. Our learners find tremendous value in their programme and continue to grow and develop as a result. Thank you to Ehwoza for your continued investment and support!

IkamvaYouth staff, volunteers and learners were in attendance for The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Spirit of Youth programme graduation. The six month programme in the Western Cape concluded with a graduation ceremony at the TSIBA campus in Pinelands. The purpose of the partnership with was to develop and deliver a youth leadership programme for Grade 11 learners that provides the mindset, skills and values that contribute to active citizenship. IkamvaYouth would like to congratulate all the participants on their achievement and applaud our volunteers who were a part of this programme and wish them all the best with their future endeavours.

Learners from our IkamvaYouth Masiphumelele Branch in the Western Cape had an incredible experience at the Cape Town International Convention Centre with our partner , where they attended a talk by Dr. Sian Proctor, a geoscience professor, Afrofuturism artist, and trailblazing astronaut from SpaceX Inspiration4. Dr. Proctor shared her inspiring three-day journey orbiting the Earth, leaving our learners in awe of the endless possibilities of a future in Space Science.

Our Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal District Manager, Thandazo accompanied learners from our IkamvaYouth Chesterville Branch to the West City Fellowship in Chesterville. Together they attended a Women in Science and Engineering Dialogue as part of our Architecture Design and Engineering (ADE) Programme for 2024.
The programme celebrated Women’s Month by bringing together inspiring women who shared their journeys and broke barriers in male-dominated fields.

Learners from our IkamvaYouth Kuyasa Branch in the Western Cape attended a Job shadowing workshop with Ekse TV and Cape TownTV. Learners were given a tour of the studio and educated about the filming process and what happens behind the camera.
This was an exciting opportunity for our learners, as they were given exposure to explore film and broadcast production.

Learners from our IkamvaYouth Masiphumelele Branch in the Western Cape had an incredible experience at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, where they attended a talk by Dr. Sian Proctor, a geoscience professor, Afrofuturism artist, and trailblazing astronaut from SpaceX Inspiration4. Dr. Proctor shared her inspiring three-day journey orbiting the Earth, leaving our learners in awe of the endless possibilities of a future in Space Science.

Post Credit:

Girls from our IkamvaYouth Umlazi Branch kicked off National Women’s Month by participating in the Women’s Day Campaign organised by Girl Act Awareness. The programme focused on women empowerment and encouraged our girls to be confident, to take risks, and to never give up on their dreams.
Thank you to Aids Healthcare Foundation South Africa

We are thrilled that our IkamvaYouth Ivory Park learners have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of robotics at Mancosa! This programme not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities—essential tools for the innovators of tomorrow.

By engaging with cutting-edge technology and projects hands-on, our learners are studying robotics and are preparing to become leaders in shaping the future of this industry. This experience empowers them to understand the impact of technology on society and encourages a spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Thank to you Mancosa for your investment and support!

We have some exciting news to share! Our Western Cape District Manager, Lungile Simakade and our Makhaza Branch Assistant, Sechaba Mosia will be doing a live in-studio interview on EkSe Live today at 16:00. Please follow along on DSTV channel 263 or alternatively on Cape Town TV's YouTube channel. Let's get behind our team and show our support in the comments!

Grade 9 learners from our IkamvaYouth Nyanga branch in the Western Cape are improving their future skills. Our learners visited the Cape Town TV head Offices in Cape Town to do job shadowing and learn important production related skills from industry professionals. We would like to thank Cape Town TV for your investment and support.

We’ve got some exciting news to share! Learners from our IkamvaYouth Makhaza branch in the Western Cape have produced a film titled “Public Health: A Positive Representation”. The film offers a different perspective on South African Healthcare facilities, which are often criticised for shortages and inadequate patient care.
This is the second film that learners from IkamvaYouth Makhaza produced as part of our collaborative project around representation in global health with Professors Esmita Charani and Sipho Dlamini from the University of Cape Town. Watch the full film here:

www.youtube.com

UP Next on Ba Kae:

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Adele Ange Kayitare, a shining example of the profound impact IkamvaYouth has on young lives. Adele's journey with IkamvaYouth showcases the power of community support and personal growth.

Adele, a proud alumna of IkamvaYouth, completed her undergraduate degree in Information Management in 2022 and a BCom Honours in Information Management in 2023. She excels in collecting, analysing, and interpreting information within claims. To further enhance her skills, she is actively pursuing short courses to become a data analyst.

IkamvaYouth played a pivotal role in Adele’s achievements. As an organisation that provides after-school support to high school students through tutoring, career advice, and mentorship, we have significantly shaped who she is today. IkamvaYouth assisted Adele in achieving the best marks to gain university admission and guided her in making informed career choices.

In 2018, Adele was introduced to a scholarship by our branch coordinator, Michael. Although she initially faced setbacks, she persevered and eventually secured the scholarship, enabling her to further her studies.

Adele also served as IkamvaYouth's first-ever alumni champion at the Ebony Park branch, embodying the values of humility and giving back instilled in her through our programmes.

Looking ahead, Adele will be starting a new position as a Junior Software Support Consultant in the coming month. This exciting opportunity marks the next step in her professional journey, and it's all thanks to the support and guidance from IkamvaYouth.

Adele’s story highlights the incredible impact of IkamvaYouth’s programmes and the difference they make in young people’s lives. As we celebrate 21 of Excellence, we invite you to join us in our campaign to keep the momentum going and support more talented youth like Adele!

Do you have a story to share? We’d love to hear from you for the next episode of "Ba Kae!

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The Book Clubs at our branches encourage our learners to read on a consistent basis and help nurture a love of reading and learning as well as critical thinking skills. To assist our learners with their academics, the branch runs book clubs and literacy programs on Fridays, which greatly enhance personal growth, social engagement, and educational advancement. Take a look at some highlights from our recent segment at our IkamvaYouth Mahikeng Branch in the North West

The value and impact of our volunteer tutors cannot be overstated. Siphamandla, an alumni and tutor at our IkamvaYouth Makhaza branch in the Western Cape shares why he continues to pay-it-forward to the next generation. Let’s help more tutors like Siphamandla to support the next generation of learners with academic tutoring. Click the link to our BackABuddy page to make a donation!

https://buff.ly/3R0ntBJ

Our KwaZulu Natal region got their hands dirty as part of their annual Mandela Day initiative. The community clean-up programme was organised by one of our partners and brought together various organisations to collaborate in a Mandela Day clean-up initiative. This was held in Tongaat, a community that recently experienced a tornado-like storm that left the community in disastrous conditions. IkamvaYouth was one of the organisations that collaborated with Shincheonji with the objective of instilling unity and hope in the hearts of the community members who have lost so much.

Boys from our IkamvaYouth Chesterville and Umlazi branches in KwaZulu-Natal were invited by Prime Stars to participate in the third instalment of ‘What about the Boys?’ programme. Our learners were taken to a film screening and given a printed handout with helpful material. Through the film, learners were educated about constructive and deconstructive masculinity and will also be exposed to mentors to provide support and help to guide their learning process. A massive thank you goes out to Prime Stars for your investment and support.

At IkamvaYouth, integrity and transparency form the bedrock of our organisational values. We believe that maintaining the highest ethical standards and fostering an open, honest culture are crucial for building trust and credibility with our stakeholders.

Our Commitment to Integrity and Transparency:
Ethical Conduct: We ensure that all our actions and decisions are guided by fairness, honesty, and respect for all individuals involved.

Accountability: We take responsibility for our actions, openly sharing our successes and challenges with our community.

Clear Communication: We prioritise clear, open, and honest communication, keeping all stakeholders informed and involved.

Financial Transparency: We manage our resources responsibly, providing detailed reports and updates to our donors, partners, and beneficiaries.

Inclusive Decision-Making: We involve our stakeholders in the decision-making process, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and valued.

Join Us:
By upholding integrity and transparency, IkamvaYouth creates an environment of trust and reliability. This commitment allows us to build strong, lasting relationships with our community, ensuring that we can effectively support and empower young people from under-resourced communities.

Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our youth.

The value and impact of our volunteer tutors cannot be overstated. Lelethu, an alumni and tutor at our IkamvaYouth Kuyasa branch in the Western Cape shares why she continues to pay-it-forward to the next generation. Let’s help more tutors like Lelethu to support the next generation of learners with academic tutoring. Click the link to our BackABuddy page to make a donation!

https://buff.ly/3R0ntBJ

As we celebrate IkamvaYouth’s 21 Years of Excellence, we recognise the incredible individuals who have shaped our journey. This new series focuses on honouring IkamvaYouth’s former board members who have significantly contributed to our success. Today, we honour Joy Olivier, our co-founder and former CEO, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in our success.

Joy Olivier is a dedicated social entrepreneur who co-founded IkamvaYouth with Makhosi Gogwana in 2003. Under her 15-year leadership, IkamvaYouth grew from a volunteer initiative into a national organisation supporting over 4,000 learners annually. Her innovative approach and commitment to empowering youth have significantly improved graduation rates and created countless opportunities for learners in under-resourced schools.
Joy's work has earned her recognition as an ALI Fellow, YALI Fellow, Ashoka Fellow, and Yale World Fellow. In 2013, she was honoured as the Most Influential Women in Business & Government in the SADC region (civil society category).

Although Joy has stepped down as CEO, her legacy continues to inspire us. Her commitment to education and belief in the potential of every learner remain at the core of IkamvaYouth’s mission.

Joy's impact extends beyond her tenure at IkamvaYouth. Her dedication to social change and education reform has set a benchmark in the sector, inspiring many to follow in her footsteps and contribute to creating a more equitable society.

Join us in celebrating Joy Olivier and her remarkable contributions to education and empowerment. Support us in continuing her vision by donating R21 or more to IkamvaYouth. Your contribution can help change lives and create brighter futures.

Donate Here: 🔗 https://buff.ly/3L7lGqZ

IkamvaYouth staff, tutors and learners from our IkamvaYouth Diepsloot Branch in Gauteng dedicated their 67 minutes of service to keep the Diepsloot community clean as they embarked on a cleaning campaign. Take a look at some of the highlights.

Meet Karabo Mokgosi, the dedicated Branch Coordinator at IkamvaYouth’s Mamelodi branch. Karabo's journey with IkamvaYouth began in February 2023 within the Alumni and Volunteer department. Demonstrating a deep passion for youth development, she transitioned into the Branch Coordinator role on October 16, 2024.

Karabo is driven by a profound love for working with young people. From motivating high school students to taking on the role of Skills Development Officer, Karabo has consistently aimed to make a difference in young lives. This dedication allows her to lead a purposeful life, waking up every day to do what she loves.

Under Karabo’s leadership, the Mamelodi branch has seen significant growth and success. One notable achievement is the effective collaboration during the winter school program, which enabled the Mamelodi branch to operate fully despite organisational challenges. These collaborations have strengthened the branch's capacity to deliver impactful programs.

The greatest joy for Karabo comes from witnessing the success of the learners. Seeing the beneficiaries excel academically and thrive in their personal development instils hope and confidence that South Africa has a promising future. Each achievement of the learners serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of IkamvaYouth’s mission.

Join Us in Making a Difference!
Support IkamvaYouth by donating today and help us continue providing high-quality education and support to young people across South Africa. Every contribution, big or small, makes a profound impact.

Donate Here: 🔗 https://buff.ly/3L7lGqZ

"Inequality in Global Health" is a film shot and edited by learners from our IkamvaYouth Kuyasa and Makhaza branches. The film highlights that underserved communities are often depicted through images of poverty and disease, neglecting the deeper causes of lack of access to healthcare. It encourages audiences to reconsider and critically examine representations in global health campaigns and media.
Watch the full film here:

Inequality in Global Health: A Learner Documentary "Inequality in Global Health" is a film by high school learners from Makhaza, Khayelitsha, who responded to UCT professors and challenged the typical images ...

Welcome to our series on IkamvaYouth’s Core Programmes! Today, we’re highlighting our Career Guidance Programme — essential for guiding students towards successful careers. 📚✨

Why Our Career Support Programme Matters:
1️⃣ Personalised Guidance: Our mentors offer tailored support, helping students achieve their career goals confidently.

2️⃣ Building Skills: We provide workshops on CV writing and interview preparation, ensuring students are ready for work or further education.

3️⃣ Inspiring Exploration: Our programme encourages students to explore diverse careers, fostering a passion for learning and discovery.

4️⃣ Celebrating Success: From internships to job placements, we celebrate every milestone in our students' career journeys.

Support Our Programmes:
Help us continue guiding students towards successful careers. Contribute to our 21 Years of Excellence Campaign to support programmes like career guidance. Your donation makes a direct impact on students' futures.

🔗 https://buff.ly/3L7lGqZ

Thank you for empowering students to achieve their career dreams! 💼