YeBo volunteers contribute ideas to make maths FUNctional

The YearBeyond (YeBo) Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) and graduation ceremony took place on 15 November 2019 at the FNB Portside Building in Cape Town.

This year, ninety-eight youth volunteers between the ages of 18 and 25 were deployed to various no- and low-fee schools across the Western Cape to provide academic support to Grade 2 to 4 learners who struggle with maths and literacy. To complement their work experience at these schools, YeBo volunteers participate in a ten-month personal and professional development curriculum which will better equip them to engage the world of further study and work opportunities.

As part of the YeBo professional development curriculum, volunteers tackle an educational challenge. In 2019, the Social Innovation Challenge was “how to make maths FUNctional for learners”. The SIC Finale offered volunteers the platform to demonstrate their innovative toolkits and present their solutions to an esteemed panel of judges.

While the volunteers, mentors and NGO partners partook in a vibrant music workshop, the judges were given the tough task of deciding on the winners of the year, reflecting on how the teams had taken on constructive feedback from previous rounds to improve their pitch and presentation.

Ahead of the announcement of the winning teams, SIC Judge, Lucille Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysalis Academy, acknowledged the volunteers for their effort, growth and achievements and applauded them for the way they presented themselves.

The 2019 Winners were announced by SIC Judge, Shakira Maharaj, Innovation Director at the DG Murray Trust. First prize went to The Evergreen Time Machine, a team with volunteers drawn from Highlands, IkwezileSizwe, Impendulo, Isipiwo, Kwa-Faku, Masipumelele, Mbekweni, and Mitchell Heights Primary schools in the Cape Winelands and Metro. The team presented a collection of maths games made from recycled materials for Foundation Phase learners and each member won a tablet with data for 12 months. The Innovative Children’s Education (ICE) team came in second place and were awarded with a R1 000 contribution to personal or professional development. Joint third place went to Building Innovative Foundations and The Fundamentals.

An inspirational message followed by SIC Judge, Lorenzo Davids, Chief Executive Officer of Community Chest. He thoroughly enjoyed the energy of design and the audience spontaneously responded to the refrain of his message “your country needs you”.

After graduating, an overwhelmed Ikho Bungu shared her remarkable journey and said: “through the YeBo programme I got closer to my career because I can now become a teacher after obtaining my B.A. at Stellenbosch University.”

Jacqueline Boulle, Chief Director for the After School Programme Office, thanked everyone who passionately played a role in making it possible for the volunteers to graduate. 

The YeBo programme has been implemented since 2015 in partnership with the Community Chest and various NGO Implementing Agents and academic partners. The Western Cape Government will continue to find solutions to improve education outcomes in the province and create further learning and employment opportunities for our youth. BETTER TOGETHER.