Dreaming, planning, and stepping into a bright future with Ikamva Lolutsha Life Skills
- Yoliswa Gusha - Ubunye
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Over 200 young women from Ngqushwa have taken part in a transformative journey through the Ikamva Lolutsha Life Skills Training led by Ubunye's Training Coordinator, Lime Badu. The training comes under Ubunye's youth initiative, Ikamva Lolutsha, which at the moment is part of the Ubomi Bethu programme. Ikamva Lolutsha focuses on young people, ensuring they reach for their dreams. The training is one of the tools used to instil confidence and prepare young women for the challenges and opportunities of life.
Purpose and Focus
Ultimately, the Ikamva Lolutsha initiative is aimed at promoting young people's independence, ensuring they tap into the dreams of their future and move away from dependency on others for short-term gains. The Life Skills training equips young people with practical knowledge and skills around real-life scenarios. The aim is to boost their self-esteem and prepare them for their future. Through self-learning about their skills and abilities, it helps young people build a positive self-image of themselves and what they are capable of achieving.
The training runs for 10 days in each area. Currently, it is recruiting young people from 10 Villages in Ngqushwa, Upper Fish area. The young women explore where they are now in their lives and where they want to be. They then create a Life Plan which maps out how they are going to reach for their dream futures. The training incorporates practical, interactive and exciting activities including role-plays of interviews, personal development sessions, and real-life planning.
Once they have created their life plan, Ubunye gives them financial assistance in taking those first steps towards their goal. This can include, for example, funds for training, study books, interview expenses, stock for a business start-up
A Glimpse into Their Growth
Amila Dyan shared her journey:
“I’ve learned to be independent. It boosted my confidence a lot and that was one of the key things we focused on. Ubunye helped me apply to university, even funded my application fees, and now I’ve been accepted to study at Rhodes University for 2026. Right now, I’m working as an Educator Assistant, something I got through this programme’s support and interview preparation.”
Another participant, Asemahle Makazi, added:
“I’ve learned how to carry myself, how to work with others, and most importantly, not to give up. If you fall, get up and try again. The programme inspired me so much that I’ve now enrolled in an online life skills course to learn even more!”
For others, the programme unlocked access to vital tools for progress. Sinalo Landu received support and guidance to further her studies. Zizipho Felani obtained spectacles and booked her learner’s licence. Some participants gained funds to start their own small businesses. Many of the young women have enrolled in security courses and have already received 2/3 of their security qualification certificates and are closer to starting their new journeys.
Looking Ahead
Ikamva Lolutsha is so much more than a set of skills-building opportunities. It is a movement for change. Focusing on individual growth, self-knowledge and understanding gives young women the opportunity to make a big difference in their lives; to change the way they live and to dream - something they may never have done before!
The stories emerging from Ngqushwa are proof that when young women are allowed to dream; when they are supported and listened to; and when they are mentored and assisted in taking steps towards achieving their life goals, there is no limit to what they can do!
