Ikwezi, a Xhosa word meaning “rising star “is the name chosen by the Grade 12 learners to identify themselves. The Ikwezi-group represents different grade-12 learners every year that meet under the mentorship of Xairu Heritage Portal -members who assist them in many ways, including:
- Keep them motivated and focus on their academic objectives
- Give broader academic content and context to study material where required
- Inform them of additional learning material and support
- Assist them with assignments by sourcing research information
- Introduce them to individuals and networks who can support them to succeed
- Assist them to apply to Institutions of Higher Learning for further studies.
- Assist them to apply for bursaries and NSFAS
- Assist them to obtain practical exposure for different career paths.
- Assist them with procedures to re-write Grade 12 -exams in cases where learners fail
This project has been on-going since 2005 and many of the Suurbraak Grade 12 learners who were supported as outlined above, are today, qualified in various professions and skill -areas. Many of these learners could not further their academic studies at the time, but are responsible and hardworking individuals today, building their careers through part-time studies and on-the-job-training.
In some cases, learners were supported by single interventions like assistance to apply for University while in other cases, learners were assisted with accommodation, finances or the occasional meal. Some of these students returned to Suurbraak and are involved in projects like the “parkie-project” to plough back into the community who supported them to become successful and to be the role models for the present youth by encouraging them to follow their example of hard work and dedication to their studies. Former Grade 12 -learners whom we have supported and who have furthered their academic studies at universities / CPUT, include but are not limited to:
Randall Theodore – National Diploma in Public Management, Clinton Uys – National Diploma Town and Regional Planning, Selvin Hendricks – Business Management, Leroy Theodore -Honours Public Administration. Aljean Sauls – B Ed. Carmen Uys – B Tech Public Management. Delvon Manho – B.Ed.
Some are still busy to complete their studies like:
Samuel Kayster – Civil Engineering, Yzane Petersen – Civil Engineering, Nolen Theodore – National Diploma Marketing, Valentine Philander – B. Ed, Veronique Marais – B.Ed. and Deveney Fredericks – B.Ed. and others.
This year we have 14 x Grade 12 learners in the Ikwezi -group and we wish them well during these challenging times. They have the assurance that Xairu Heritage Portal is there to give the support they need, when required.
