Empower youth through education in S.A

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR MARCH 2024 NEWSLETTER

IkamvaYouth Skills Development Programme Update 

In 2023 IkamvaYouth, piloted a Skills Development programme aimed at supporting young people (aged 18 to 35) who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The goal of this programme is to address youth unemployment by providing young people with skills, work experience and placement support into full time employment that is meaningful to them. Traditionally, IkamvaYouth focuses on after-school academic support for high school learners attending under-resourced schools. Whilst academic support is essential for learners to complete school with marks that allow them to study further or enter the workforce this does not guarantee that they will actually be able to go on to do this. Poverty and job scarcity are major stumbling blocks that young people face. Programmes such as our Skills Development programme seek to address these challenges and provide practical support for young people entering the job market.

The programme was launched in four provinces across South Africa: Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, and Western Cape. Approximately 200 students graduated in Information and Communications Technology, and Appliances and Cellphone repairs among others, at Centurion in Tshwane.

Youth Empowerment and Bridge to Tertiary Programme

Learners from our IkamvaYouth Atlantis Branch in the Western Cape who are part of the Newlands Rotary Club partnered with Cornerstone Institute to introduce the Youth Empowerment and Bridge To Tertiary Programme. This collaborative effort aims to address the pressing needs of previously disadvantaged youth by providing essential skills in computer literacy and academic proficiency, catalysing their entry into the world of work and higher education.

Community Collaborations Programme Partner Feature: Diakonia AIDS Ministry

Meet our Community Collaborations Partner! Introducing Diakonia AIDS Ministry, one of our valued partners spearheading an after-school programme in Jabavu, Soweto. Their initiatives encompass academic support, food security initiatives such as their food garden, HIV/AIDS support programmes, and psychosocial assistance. As their academic programme gains momentum, evidence-based research demonstrates that learners benefit from working in small groups, fostering improved peer interaction and peer learning opportunities.

Employee Volunteering

IkamvaYouth runs Employee Volunteering initiatives for companies that are looking to give back. Employees can volunteer as tutors through our after-school programme at our branches and support learners with their homework. As a tutor in our programme, you can make a real impact on the lives of learners from disadvantaged communities and build their dreams by not only assisting them with school work but also by being a role model.

If you would like to know more, please contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Natasha at :natasha@ikamvayouth.org

Earn BBBEE Points By Partnering with IkamvaYouth

We would like to work with you to ensure you seamlessly receive the full benefit of your donation! You have the ability to transform lives with your donation while also receiving a financial benefit for your business. When donating to IkamvaYouth you will receive your Section 18a tax benefit or improve your

B-BBEE score by earning Skills Development, Socio-Economic Development or Supplier Development points.

Here's how we can assist you with your Scorecard:

Skills Development: The measurement of the extent to which employers carry out initiatives designed to develop the competencies of Black employees and Black people internally and externally. IkamvaYouth has set up internships and training (including vocational, digital and work readiness) which represents an opportunity for your company to earn Skills Development points.

Socio-Economic Development: This involves contributions to projects and initiatives that benefit local communities and promote social development. Examples of support include financial grants; direct cost incurred supporting the SED beneficiary and provision of professional services.

Supplier Development: Encourages organisations to support and invest in Black-owned businesses and suppliers. If your business implements part of your Skills Development plan through IkamvaYouth, you can qualify for Supplier Development points.

If you would like to know more, please contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Natasha at :natasha@ikamvayouth.org

• IY_March2024_YellowBuzz.pdf (PDF)
  

December 2023 YellowBuzz 

­End of Year Message

As 2023 draws to a close, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders for showing their unwavering support for IkamvaYouth this year. Thank you for your commitment to help us impact the lives of learners in our programme. We would like to wish you a joyful and restful festive season. As we look forward to 2024, we aim to grow the IkamvaYouth community so that we may continue to have a positive influence on the livelihoods of many young people.

­McKinsey & Company Career Day

Sixty learners from our IkamvaYouth Diepsloot, Ebony and Ivory Park Branches in Gauteng visited the McKinsey & Co. offices in Johannesburg as part of McKinsey’s Day of Service. Our learners were taken on a guided tour of the McKinsey offices and were presented with a  glimpse into the world of consulting and got to learn about the diverse skill sets required in the industry. The day concluded with interactive discussions which allowed the learners to ask questions and gain valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of professionals in different roles. We would like to extend our thanks to McKinsey & Company for supporting these learners. 

­'Tolerating TB'  IkamvaYouth Makhaza Learner Documentary

TOLERATING TB is a mini documentary that explores TB and its impact on individuals and communities. Shot by three learners from our IkamvaYouth Makhaza Branch, the documentary features personal stories of individuals affected by TB, including experiences with diagnosis, treatment, and social stigma. It is an informative and eye-opening look at the devastating impact of TB on public health. The documentary was shot and edited by Grade 11 learners: Esihle, Reatlehile and Lelethu as part of the Eh!Woza Learner Doccies programme in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

Celebrating Girls in Business 

As part of the Entrepreneurial Programme with ORIBI Girls, five learners from our IkamvaYouth Kuyasa Branch in Khayelitsha presented their idea to ORIBI Organisation. They won first place in the event. The learners will be mentored by industry professionals at ORIBI and be given prize money to kick start their business. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, girls!

Coding Sessions at AlgoAtWork Robotics Academy

Grade 9 learners from our IkamvaYouth Chesterville and Umlazi branches in KwaZulu-Natal, have started attending robotics and coding sessions run by AlgoAtWork Robotics Academy in partnership with the Chemicals Industry Education and Training Authority. This programme will be running for the next 10 months, exposing our grade 9 learners in KwaZulu-Natal to the world of robotics and technology, and subsequently aiding in broadening their career opportunities and prospects.

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