Ikamvanites got up to some pretty amazing stuff in 2007, and you can read all about it -- and see the pictures -- in our just-released annual report. From singing in Singapore, and collecting a prize from the President of Italy, to starting a new branch in Kwa-Zulu Natal, taking on Telkom (successfully!) and ensuring access to post-school opportunities for 92% of the grade 12s, the year was full and fantastic.

IkamvaYouth's 2007 began with something that previous years did not: money. Thanks to Florence Jennings and her family, and the amazing volunteers in Singapore, the fundraising trip at the end of 2006 was a great success. Other generous individuals and families have joined in to bring IkamvaYouth to the next level of its development, and reach important milestones such as hiring its first employees, and holding the first IkamvaYouth Summer School in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

The year was not without its challenges. Following the teachers' strike, learners were expected to be at school for Saturday and afternoon classes, which greatly affected learner attendance. And while running down Adderly Street loudly hailing “Phansti!” was fun, the 80's were a while ago, and transformation needs to be achieved through access to information and education rather than a toyi toyi.

Despite the challenges, ikamvanites showed that by-youth, for-youth transformation is more than possible. We achieved 100% pass rate for our grade 12s, set up a new lab at the Nyanga library, held holiday programmes on the campuses of the Universities of the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal, developed open source voucher management software with Jam Warehouse to sell Internet access by the megabyte rather than the hour, and were well-fed throughout the year by the amazing volunteer chefs in the kitchen club.

2008's management committee was recently voted in at the Strategic Planning Weekend which was held at the West Coast National Park, and every member (besides the new director of IkamvaYouth Western Cape, Luyanda Kota), is an ex-learner. South African youth are doing it for themselves and one another, and many more want to join Ikamva's education revolution: Over 250 learners showed up to register at the Nazeema Isaacs library at the beginning of 2008, and the organisation has received requests from four more libraries to establish branches in other areas.


There is so much to do. And we need your support. Whether you hold a CV workshop or a fundraising party, there is ample opportunity to enable our learners to access opportunities that will change their lives.

Contact us now to get involved: info@ikamvayouth.org; +27 21 3626799