Jolandie Tackles Namibian Terrain

Travelling towards Windhoek (the capital of Namibia), this is Jolandie’s update in pictures and videos…

Sunday 22nd May and howling winds…

Despite the winds, Jolandie managed 100km in ONE day!!

 

 

Wednesday 25th May

Jolandie does a happy dance because the wind changed from head to tail!

Thursday 26th May

Oops, puncture again...

The big city beckons - 187km to Windhoek

 

Jolandie has met so many interesting and supportive people along the way – word of her ‘Cycle for Eduction’ is spreading and you can be sure that, in Windhoek, she will be met with a mighty reception!

Jolandie will soon enter Namibia – What is the education system like?

In a couple of days Jolandie will be crossing the border into Namibia – South Africa will be behind her and the rest of the journey up ahead. Jolandie says, “For me, the adventure starts here”! The education situation in Namibia has recently been entering the news and so Jolandie could not have better timing on her ‘Cycle For Education’ tour.

All Roads Point to Namibia

A new Minister for Education was appointed for Namibia in March 2010: Dr Abraham Iyambo. Shortly after taking up the position, Dr. Iyambo declared that:

“The Government sees education as an indispensable and long-term investment. The more we invest in the future of our children, the more we can withdraw from those banks of knowledge and the closer we come to attaining our country’s vision.” (Source: newera.com.na)

 However, a year later the situation remains worryingly below acceptable. In mid-April of this year Dr. Abraham Iyambo delivered harsh criticisms of principals, education inspectors, advisory teachers, and textbook officials in Namibia. Dr. Iyambo stated that he has often witnessed teachers and principals arriving to their school unprepared, late or even drunk! Inspectors frequently fail to reprimand the principals not performing to national standard and the interaction between each level of administration within the education sector is poor. (Source: AllAfrica). Of course, a sub-standard education sector will limit the opportunity the country’s youth have of betterment through higher education.

 Jolandie’s cycle tour through Namibia will coincide with the build up to the National Education Conference to be held in the capital from the 27^th June where Dr. Iyambo will directly address these issues. Representing Iduka when travelling the country, Jolandie will raise the bar of the education stakes for the Conference (and will hopefully point a few students and volunteers our way!).

 Updates on Jolandie’s travels at the moment will follow soon…

Jolandie will soon cross to Namibia!

Harsh Winds and Kind People

Beautiful Sky For Jolandie

 

After picking up her journey on the 6^th May, Jolandie’s journey has looked a little like this:

 Clanwilliam –> Klawer –> ‘Oom Buys Wiese farm (25km outside of Vanryhnsdorp).

 On the Clanwilliam to Klawer leg of the journey Jolandie met a holidaying couple from Robertson and she chatted to them about her ‘Cycle For Education’ Tour. Unexpectedly, they offered her R100 (local currency) in order to contribute to her journey… with spirits high and confidence in the goodness of humanity she tackled the rest of the day’s journey with ease!

Unfortunately, from Klawer to ‘Oom Buys Wiese farm she faced the strength of Mother Nature and a cyclists worst enemy: harsh winds. The day was slow and extremely tough, when she finally parked up for the night, Jolandie spent her first night in the tent… alone. “It was great!” Jolandie declared – she cooked her supper on a little stove and slept like a baby.

Jolandie's Tent... nice and cosy

 Unfortunately Die Knersvlakte, or the ‘Grinding Plains’, remained. According to Jolandie, “The roads just go on forever and ever and ever…and EVER!!” and on top of that, the wind met her head-on. After a flat tyre and a small collision with the road she made it to Bitterfontein just before sunset.

 Next Stop…. Springbok!

10 Days on the Road

Entering Moorreesburg!

After just over a week on the ‘Cycle For Education’ Tour, Jolandie has experienced enough to fill a month! Crowds gave her a fantastic send off from Cape Town on the 27^th April, but misfortune struck on the following day… Jolandie fell ill with flu. Cycling 50km, she made it to Malmesbury and then was forced to rest for a little while to recover. Pushing forward, on day three, Jolandie managed to make the cold and windy journey to Moorreesburg, but the illness would not shake off! Moreover, weather forecasts predicted rain from the 3^rd May until today… so Jolandie decided to take a few days to rest and recuperate. She will need full strength for what lies ahead and already the elements have pushed challenges in her way.

Jolandie predicts that she will reach the border and enter Namibia in about 10 days time. Namibia is situated on Africa’s South-West coast. With a population of just 2.2 million, it is sparsely populated and mainly filled with desert land (this will increase the challenges on Jolandie’s journey!)

Jolandie on the road

Namibia will be holding a national ‘Conference on Education’ from June 27 to July 1 in the capital city, Windhoek. The Conference will provide an in-depth analysis of the education system at all levels and will seek to improve the system for ‘Quality Learning Outcomes and Quality of Life’ (Source: The Namibian). Jolandie’s Cycle for Education through Namibia could not be better timed – by delivering her open letter to the leaders of Namibia when she crosses the border, Jolandie will be helping to raise the profile of higher education at a time when the country itself will be reflecting on educational issues.

News Source:

The Namibian (2011), ‘Conference on education in June’, (Accessed 5 May 2011)

Iduka Partnership with A.I.D. (Advocacy Initiative for Development) in Sierra Leone!

Iduka is proud to announce a partnership with Advocacy Initiative for Development (AID) Organisation based in Sierra Leone. AID began as a youth services agency but, after incredible success, has expanded to encompass broad-based programmes that offer educational and vocational training, advocacy for human rights, and services that promote the development of whole communities.

Founder of AID, Sylvanus Murray, facilitates computer training

AID has now taken on the role of Iduka Field Partner as part of Iduka’s Africa Pilot Project (iAPP), and will have the important responsibility of selecting, supporting and developing Iduka’s scholarship recipients. Mr. Sylvannus Murray (pictured) is the founder of AID and is now a Vice Chair on the Executive Committee for Iduka, assisting student development in West Africa.

As an iAPP Partner, AID has several key responsibilities, including:

• The selection and submission of students for Iduka’s scholarship scheme
• Reviewing student candidates that are forwarded by Iduka (local students that have contacted Iduka directly)
• Personally interviewing student candidates
• Maintaining records of each student
• Assisting students with their online profiles and subsequent online profile updates
• Managing the scholarship moneys that are payable to the educational institution that the student is attending
• Conducting follow-up interviews to make sure the students are getting all the support they need, and are actively volunteering in their community.

Of course, no student can benefit from Iduka’s education scholarships without a committed Field Partner working within the community to provide the vital student support. Moreover, local Iduka volunteers rely on Field Partners such as AID for leadership, mentoring and opportunities to make a difference. The networks and relationships that will result from the AID-Iduka partnership will create international awareness of the importance of higher education in Africa, and this partnership will also offer more education, skills and livelihood opportunities for students in Sierra Leone.

Sylvanus Murray working with volunteers

About AID:

Sylvanus Murray created AID in with the dream of establishing an organisation that advocates for the rights of humanity and offers services for the holistic development of people and their communities. Initially focusing on programmes such as education, health care, skills training, income generation schemes, youth empowerment and protecting women’s rights, the organisation soon expanded to include:

• Human rights education
• Gender and women empowerment
• Child welfare
• The eradication of human trafficking
• Good governance
• Sanitation and hygiene
• Peace and security…

… to name a few.

With this level of commitment to the development of African nations it is certain that, together, Iduka and AID (and all of Iduka’s partners) will push forward the post-secondary education agenda in Africa.

Cycle For Education Day 1… Jolandie Departs From Cape Town

Jolandie Rust departed at 10am this morning for her ‘Cycle For Education’ tour of Africa! Today (27 April) is also known as Freedom Day in South Africa – it is a day that celebrates South African democracy, hope, and opportunity. It couldn’t have been a more fitting day for Jolandie to depart for this epic cycle. Waved off by a crowd of friends and supporters, Jolandie set off on the open road with the sun on her back and the rest of the continent ahead.

Map of Africa – Jolandie begins in Cape Town, S. Africa

 As Iduka’s Good Will Ambassador, Jolandie will be delivering an open letter to African leaders in each country she cycles through, calling on them to promote and protect higher education in Africa. She is due to cross over to Namibia in two weeks or so and there will be many cheering her on along the way.

 Moreover, in partnership with Iduka, Jolandie will be raising funds and awarding scholarships to local students along the way. A vital aspect of this role will be for Jolandie to mobilize volunteers in all African countries! If any of you, the readers, would like to offer your time, support, or even just words of encouragement for Iduka and ‘Cycle For Education’, please raise your voices high and let Iduka know… we can support Jolandie’s dream together.

 The last words on this first day will rest with Jolandie… When asked how she feels about this challenge, she replied, “A little nervous, but very excited! I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time!” Go for it Jolandie! Iduka is behind you every peddle-push along the way.

 *** Departure Day Photos To Follow Shortly ***

Iduka Partnership with Kisima Initiative in Kenya!

John Ndegwa - New Field Partner

Iduka is excited to announce a partnership with Kisima Initiative based in Kenya. Kisima is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that provides education and employment schemes for youths living in poverty, along with support for their families. Kisima will be taking on the function of Iduka Field Partner as part of Iduka’s ‘Africa Project’, and will have a central role in the selection, support and development of Iduka’s scholarship awardees! John Ndegwa (pictured) is one of the founders of Kisima and will now sit on the Executive Committee for Iduka, assisting student development in East Africa.

As an Africa Project Field Partner, Kisima has several important responsibilities, including:

• The selection and submission of students for Iduka’s scholarship scheme
• Reviewing student candidates that are forwarded by Iduka (local students that have contacted Iduka directly)
• Personally interviewing student candidates
• Maintaining records of each student
• Assisting students with their online profiles and subsequent online profile updates
• Managing the scholarship moneys that are payable to the educational institution that the student is attending
• Conducting follow-up interviews to make sure the students are getting all the support they need, and are actively volunteering in their community.

No student can benefit from Iduka’s education scholarships without a dedicated Field Partner working on the ground to provide the vital student support. Already John and Kisima have demonstrated their commitment to Iduka’s cause, as they have been instrumental in organising a scholarship for Iduka’s excellent student Neville Albert.

John (right) working with a volunteer

This Iduka-Kisima partnership is a fantastic opportunity to open the dialogue on education in Africa – particularly East Africa. The networking and information sharing that will result from this partnership will not only create national and international awareness of the need for higher education in Africa, it will also offer more education, skills and livelihood opportunities for African students on the ground.

Kisima Initiative has been working with local communities since 2002 and they offer a variety of development projects including: Youth Support, Orphaned and Vulnerable Children’s Educational Support, Women’s Projects, and Agribusiness. As a Field Partner for Iduka, Kisima will now be able to offer undeserved, underrepresented and underprivileged students in East Africa the opportunity to realise their higher-education ambitions!

National Volunteer Week 2011

Happy National Volunteer Week To You!

It’s that time of the year that in the US we celebrate volunteerism and the national media creates a buzz to promote volunteer work for one entire week.

Being an all-volunteer organization, we understand how vital each of you is to our grassroots project. Our volunteers deserve our appreciation all year-long, so it is only appropriate that we take this opportunity to once more recognize the contribution made by all of you this past year from coast…

Maria Block-McKenzie, Florida Volunteer Coordinator and Joan Barnes, Chair of the Board of Directors at Iduka's Thrift Store in Port Saint Lucie, Florida

to coast…

Monica and Sara, Dublin High School in California at a Red Cross Club and Iduka activity.

…and beyond!

Sylvanus Murray, Iduka African Pilot Project Vice-Chair volunteering in Sierra Leone.

We are specially thankful to the many student volunteer interns who helped us design, develop, and successfully complete phase 1 of our African pilot project these past six months. Much of the success of establishing volunteer teams in all African regions is owed to our country coordinators and community organizers.

Special thanks go to our student volunteer internship coordinators Caleb Thole, Emmanuel Tanifum, Frank Kamanga, Gilbert Bita, Mokhtar Omar, and Sylvanus Murray. Thanks to your leadership, we are present today in almost every single African country.

Mokhtar Omar, Egypt, Iduka African Pilot Project Secretary, volunteering in India.

Our  field partner John Ndegwa at Kisima also deserves special recognition for sponsoring our first scholarship recipient in Kenya and helping us kick start phase 2 our African pilot project.

John Ndegwa, Iduka African Pilot Project Vice-Chair in Kenya with a group of volunteers.

If you’d like to get involved in our organization’s activities but are not sure where to start, please visit the Volunteer page and check out our current needs.

Once again, thank you for your support!

Scholarship Deadline Extension

Raphael Njararuhi, Somalia Coordinator

We have extended our application deadline for the Iduka Scholarship Contest from February 28 to April 29. To apply, be sure to submit the online nominee application form, the nomination form, and the essay form. Also, please make sure to sign our current online petition by requested deadline.

Click on the link to learn more about the Iduka Scholarship Contest.

Best of luck to all students!… and a word of appreciation to all our student outreach members, including those not pictured below!

SOME OF OUR STUDENT VOLUNTEER INTERNS WORKING HARD TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

Sherry Jones, Tanzania Coordinator

Chikumbutso Chanamuna, Angola Coordinator

Raphael Njararuhi, Somalia Coordinator

Bevis Omondi, Kenya Coordinator

Franklin David, Nigeria Coordinator

Sheripher Dinala, South Africa Coordinator

Ruby Folly, Liberia Coordinator

Merveille Kanyere, D.R. Congo, Student Organizer

Sait Matty Jaw, Senegal Coordinator

Nour Hashem, Egypt Coordinator

Francis Gathu, Kenya Student Volunteer

Nathali Mutombo, D.R. Congo, Student Organizer

Isaac Kibassa, D.R. Congo, Student Organizer

Fiston Nsimba, D.R. Congo, Student Organizer

Mokhtar Omar, North Africa Coordinator

MAKE SURE TO USE THE SHARE BUTTONS BELOW TO SPREAD THE WORD AND INVITE STUDENTS TO APPLY!

Call For Scholarship Nominations

Junior Kashala, D.R. Congo Student Volunteer Intern

The 2011 Iduka Scholarship Contest is now accepting nominations.

Iduka will be awarding two scholarships to underserved, underrepresented, and/or underprivileged African students who reside and intend to pursue post-secondary education in an African country participating in Iduka’s Africa Pilot Project (iAPP).

We encourage all eligible African students, including our student volunteer interns to participate in this contest.

• Student application must be completed and submitted by February 11, 2011.
• The nomination, the student essay, and the online petition signing are due on February 28, 2011.

To learn more about the 2011 Iduka Scholarship Contest, please visit this…

…page…

…page…page…page…page…

Neville Albert, Kenya - Scholarship Recipient

Micro-financing education, one student at a time.

Do not hesitate to contact our representatives in your country if you need any assistance regarding this initiative. You may also leave your queries or comments on this blog page.

MAKE SURE TO USE THE BUTTONS BELOW TO SPREAD THE WORD AND INVITE STUDENTS!