Ikamva Youth
IkamvaYouth is a by-youth, non-profit organisation that enables South African youth to get themselves out of poverty and into university or employment by providing after-school academic support, assistance with post-school opportunities, mentoring, computer classes, HIV awareness workshops, testing and counseling.
Here in Cape Town, Ikamva operates in Khayeltisha and Nyanga and is driven wholly by an inspirational, innovative and fun team of ikamvanites (volunteers and learners). A holiday programme was just held at the Masiphumelele library, and the organisation is looking for volunteers who're keen to establish a branch there.
I recently attended the Ikamva Youth photography exhibition and talent show in Khayelitsha. The show was a cheerful medley of rapping, grinding, theatre, poetry, art, photography, and loud kwaito beats as these highly talented and endearing kids strutted their stuff.
Being an Ikamvanite opens doors to being able to work in Khayelitsha or Nyanga with a diverse team of extraordinary people. More volunteers to tutor are always welcome, it may sound daunting, but if you have studied a subject and passed it at secondary school, you are more than likely fit to tutor.
If tutoring is not up your alley, there are other fun ways to get involved. Holiday programmes are open to anyone who wants to come and inspire the learners with their skills, ranging from engineering to yoga.
After-school academic support is provided every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 14:00 till 17:00, and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 till 12:00. Transport costs are reimbursed and a minibus travels from UCT and other tertiary institutions on Saturdays.
IkamvaYouth is an inspirational example of positive change being achieved with little resources and lots of passion. Ikamva provides a cost-effective solution to some of South Africa's biggest problems: the low skills base, unemployment, lack of black professionals, brain drain, poverty and youth turning to crime.
If you are reading this before August 19th, be sure to vote for Ikamva in the Champions of Quality Education in Africa awards and help them win $5000. http://tinyurl.com/lbuhex
If you want to get involved, please drop an email to volunteer@ikamvayouth.org
You can read more about Ikamva at www.ikamvayouth.org
What Others Said
Funeka said
on 19 August 2009I'm the ex-learner of this organization, was attending my suterday classes in 2004 & 2005. Now I'm doing my 3rd year at CPUT, studying ND:IT. Lets all help other learners by tutoring. 3 hours of your suterdays only, i promise, you won't regret it :-).IY is the best!!!. Thank you Ikamvanites
Thando Charles said on 19 August 2009All I have to say is, this organisation rocks!!!!!
Keep up the good work Ikamvanites.