From Books to Bravery: How YCAP is Transforming Lives at Ncihana Junior School!

Since 2017, Ncihana Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape has been a shining example of how the Youth Citizens Action Programme (YCAP) empowers students to create sustainable change. Led by Ms Z Mafungwa and motivated by their high school seniors, these learners have taken on critical challenges — ranging from improving literacy to tackling climate change — and have achieved remarkable results.
Transforming Literacy through Parent Involvement (2017)
In 2017, Ncihana students recognized the need to improve literacy rates and developed a YCAP project to tackle reading and writing challenges. By involving parents, the team worked on fostering a culture of reading, and improving learners’ academic records. The project was a success, with learners going on to compete nationally using the skills developed in this initiative. Some participants even achieved outstanding results in high school, proving the project’s long-term impact.
Renovating the School Library (2018)
Building on their literacy project, the learners saw the need to create a more welcoming space for reading. In 2018, they renovated the school’s leaking library, transforming it into a comfortable environment that reignited interest in reading. This initiative received support from UNICEF’s REALS project, further promoting literacy in the school. Today, the library remains a cornerstone of the school’s reading culture, proving the sustainability of the YCAP toolkit.
Tackling Environmental and Climate Challenges (2021)
In 2021, the YCAP team turned their focus to the environment, addressing littering, water waste, and gardening. These initiatives were not only beneficial to the school but to the broader community as well. Their innovative approach to recycling and water conservation earned them recognition from the Mayor of Mbhashe Municipality, who donated recycling bins to support their cause.
The school’s garden project continues to feed several families in the community, providing both food and employment. This project exemplifies YCAP’s lasting community impact.
Addressing Learning Loss and Mental Health Post-COVID (2022–2023)
Recognising the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ncihana’s YCAP learners launched tutoring programs to help students catch up on learning lost due to school closures. Focusing on fundamental subjects like IsiXhosa, English, and Mathematics, these tutorials significantly improved the school’s pass rate, which now stands between 90% and 100%.
In 2023, the school turned its attention to mental health. Through partnerships with social workers and healthcare services, they created support structures to help learners cope with the emotional toll of the pandemic. The project continues to provide mental health resources to students, saving lives and promoting well-being.
New Frontiers: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Learners (2024)
Currently, the school is working on a new project aimed at supporting LGBTQIA+ learners. This initiative aligns with global sustainable development goals (SDGs) and reflects the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive, safe environment for all students.
A Lasting Impact
The projects spearheaded by Ncihana Junior Secondary School have not only improved academic outcomes but have also fostered a sense of community and responsibility. The YCAP experience has equipped learners with skills in teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving that will serve them for life.
With their library still thriving, water conservation measures in place, and continued focus on literacy and mental health, Ncihana is a true example of how YCAP projects can be sustained over time. Their ongoing work in supporting LGBTQIA+ learners demonstrates that the YCAP toolkit can be used to address current social challenges and create a positive ripple effect in the community.
Join Us in Empowering Change
Ncihana Junior Secondary’s journey through YCAP highlights the transformative power of youth-led action. To learn more about this impactful project and how you can support our ongoing efforts, contact us at info@empowervate.org and visit our Social Media pages, @Empoervate and keep an eye out for more blog posts in the Impact Series.
Together, we can continue to empower the next generation and make a real difference in the lives of our youth.#YCAPImpact #ChangeAgentForSustainability #ForChange #SocialCohesion #Library #Literacy #ClimateChnage #Inclusion #SustainableDevelopment #Empowervate #UbuntuInAction #PartnerWithUs