IkamvaYouth promotes learners' access to higher education and financial aid by supporting them as they work hard to improve their marks. A matric exemption and good matric results greatly increase the likelihood of acceptance into - and scholarships to cover the costs of - tertiary institutions. 

However, once learners have managed to substantially improve marks that are usually far below that required (while writing and learning in their second language) they face further obstacles. Fees have to accompany almost every application to a tertiary education institution, and following success, acceptance fees are required to secure one's place. Acceptance fees are usually required within a relatively short time-frame (max. two months).

The financial aid for which each of our learners is eligible is only awarded following registration, and coming up with up to R1200 is a tall order: Most families in Khayelitsha survive on under R1000 per month.

IkamvaYouth has launched a fund whereby learners can apply for loans to cover the costs of application and acceptance fees. It is already proving to be a success, with loans paid back timeously, and donations made largely by ex-volunteers and their families.

To donate or apply for funds, please contact Joy (+27 83 9513336/ joy.olivier(at)ikamvayouth.org).