Welcoming Ikageng to the IAWA Team!
We are excited to welcome Ikageng, a former participant of the Morafe cohort, as she joins the I Am, We Are (IAWA) team as an intern! Having received her matric in 2023, Ikageng is stepping into this new role with a passion for giving back and supporting the next generation of IAWA alumni.
As someone who has experienced firsthand the transformative power of IAWA, Ikageng will be working on projects designed to support and uplift our growing alumni community. Her journey from participant to team member is a testament to the impact of the program—and to her dedication, leadership, and commitment to change.
To get to know her better, we asked Ikageng to share her experiences with IAWA, what she’s learned along the way, and the impact she hopes to make in her new role. Here’s what she had to say:
Can you share your journey with IAWA? What inspired you to join the program?
My journey with I Am, We Are began when I was a young person searching for a sense of purpose and community. I was inspired to join the program because of its focus on empowering youth to become active citizens and changemakers. Through IAWA, I gained valuable experiences, skills, and connections that helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What are some of the most valuable lessons or skills you gained from IAWA, and how do you see them helping you in your new role?
Some of the most valuable lessons I gained from IAWA include the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and community engagement. I also developed skills in leadership and problem-solving. These skills have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I believe they will serve me well in my new role as a team member.
What excites you most about transitioning from an IAWA participant to a team member?
What excites me most about transitioning from an IAWA participant to a team member is the opportunity to give back to the program that has given me so much. I'm eager to share my experiences, skills, and knowledge with the next generation of young people and to help shape the program's future.
Now that you're part of the IAWA team, what impact do you hope to make on the program and the young people coming through it?
As a team member, I hope to make a positive impact on the program by bringing a unique perspective and set of skills to the table. I aim to help create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters the growth and development of young people. I also hope to contribute to the program's continued innovation and evolution, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in empowering young people to become active citizens and changemakers.
We’re thrilled to have Ikageng on board and look forward to seeing the incredible contributions she will make to IAWA and our alumni community!
