Ikamva Youth is a non-profit organisation for education that is led by the youth. It is making strides in Ikageng and other underprivileged communities by redressing the inequalities in the education system.
The organisation achieves this goal by offering after-school tutoring programmes, career guidance and mentorship, health and life skills, computer literacy, image, media and expression.
During an open day at Thembalidanisi Intermediate School recently, Andani Khwerana, Ikamva’s branch assistant said these after-school classes are open to high school learners on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday, at no cost at all.
The organisation’s 2018 matric learners achieved an 83 per cent pass rate, a feat that Andani describes as impressive.
‘We have exceeded our 80 per cent target. In 2019, we are aiming for 85 per cent,’ he says confidently. Right now, though, they are helping matriculants who failed last year to pass their supplementary exams.
He encouraged parents from underprivileged homes in Ikageng, Promosa and the extensions to enrol their Gr. 9 to Gr. 12 children because they are still open for registration.
However, he cautioned the prospective learners that their attendance must be at least 75 per cent every term or they will be expelled from the programme.
‘We are holding a matric camp in July, after the winter school programme. These events are aimed at preparing the students for their exams and ensuring their readiness,’ he said.
Andani says the organisation does not only assist their learners to be eligible to study at universities and colleges; they also make a difference in the community by diverting learners away from criminal activities.
‘Most of our alumni are in tertiary institutions, the others are employed,’ he said proudly.
In accomplishing these impressive academic achievements, Andani says it is through the continued support of Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa as their main sponsor with 100 per cent of the budget coming from them. ‘We also work with the NW Department of Education and Sports, various organisations and faculties at the NWU Potchefstroom, Famsa and schools like Botoka, Tlokwe, Technical High School, Potchefstroom Secondary, Promosa Secondary and others,’ he said
