Ikamva’s Diepsloot branch honours children’s hard work and dedication
DIEPSLOOT – The IkamvaYouth Diepsloot open day and prize-giving on 1 February celebrated the achievements of its learners and allowed the community to learn more about the work they do.
It was a day of celebration and support for high school learners in Diepsloot informal settlement.
On 1 February the Diepsloot branch of the IkamvaYouth Centre hosted a very special open day and prize-giving event for its 136 children, as well as their parents, as the new academic year got underway. Besides recognising the children’s growth academically and personally in their time with the centre, the day was also a chance for members of the community to hear more about the non-profit organisation and the work that it does. The event lasted from 10am until past midday and took place at their premises near Diepsloot Mall.
IkamvaYouth offers academic tutoring services for children in grades 10, 11 and 12 from disadvantaged schools as well as other tools and support for the youngsters to develop holistically and find a future after school ends.
“We have Ikamva branches in five provinces: the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Gauteng and the North West,” explained Neo Rakoma, the branch coordinator for the Mamelodi IkamvaYouth branch and who gave the opening remarks and also handed out the award certificates later in the ceremony. “We try to develop children holistically.
“I personally love what this branch is doing – with the 2018 cohort of matrics, they achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, while for the 2019 cohort there was a pass rate of 97 per cent. Our aim here at Ikamva is that all the children who learn with us will continue to develop post-school, as we don’t want any kids sitting at home.”
At the centre, children get assistance from volunteer tutors in their various school subjects. learn computer skills, learn life skills and attend workshops on social issues, receive career guidance and help with their subject choices and are also part of a mentorship programme.
During the event, attendees heard from motivational speakers, heard testimonials from kids involved in the centre, heard poetry and music performed and even had a special visit from the Isizinda Sempilo Organization, a non-profit that aims to inform and support disadvantaged communities in areas of health and HIV/Aids. It was also a chance to remind the parents present that they had a huge role to play in their children’s success.
“We really want parent involvement this year,” said Sakhile Dubazana, the Diepsloot branch coordinator, during his time to speak. “Currently, we are working with 42 matrics.”
The IkamvaYouth Centre in Diepsloot is always in need of support – whether that be financial, offers to volunteer as a tutor, mentorship, the donations of learning resources or help placing their learners in job experience.
Details: IkamvaYouth Diepsloot Facebook page, www.ikamvayouth.org; Sakhile Dubazana
sakhile@ikamvayouth.org; 062 670 3231.
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