Your Stories

Director, Daughters of Destiny, Kensington & Factreton, Cape Town

Pillar: Life skills

After School Programmes are not only for vulnerable children… but all children. Creating safe spaces for them is life altering in so many ways. All children need safe spaces to learn and grow, through play and activities that teach vital skills. 

An enriching experience in my after school work has been... seeing children grow. Seeing clearly how learners, who did not have desire or much ambition for school and studies, now strive to be the top achievers in their class has been my greatest joy while working in this space. 

The potential of children… exceeds our expectations when they’re placed in a safe and loving environment.

Programme Manager, The Sozo Foundation

Area: Vrygrond

Pillar: Life Skills, Academic or eLearning

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ...

it enriches the lives of our young people and exposed them to opportunities that they wont necessary know of otherwise

Working in an after-school programme has taught me…

to value myself  and others.  to have empathy for others and that everyone has their own unique story and that every story can have a change of chapter to help bring a positive onset.

I love working with learners after school because...it is a teaching-learning moment, really two-fold.  their inspire me, as they transform over the years and i am honoured to witness this transition.

After school programmes can teach learners skills, such as...

reading, writing, mathematics, social and emotional, study skills, values, vocational etc.

I think after school programmes can benefit communities because…

shifts the mind sets, changes the status quo, stamps out the community myths, brings educated and skilled people to the community and therefore change the economic position of that community, creates employment and entrepreneurship.

Programme Managaer, Lalela

Areas: Various- Hout Bay, Masiphumelele, Mfuleni, Happy Valley, Bonteheuwel, Franchhoek, Melkbosstrand  

Pillars: Arts and Culture & Life Skills

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ...

After school programming allows you to hone in on learners' interests and develop their skills in a more focussed environment. It gives you the time and space to provide holistic development to young people and it also gives you the opportunity to make deeper connections with them. I have seen the most unlikely friendships blossom and witnessed a complete attitude change in children, because they are exposed to a greater community and a greater world after school. 

I began working in an after school programme when...

I started working in the After School space in 2011. I have always believed in the transformational power of the arts and was lucky enough to start working with Lalela - an educational arts programme that works with at risk youth to spark creative thinking and develop the entrepreneurial spirit. I found the After School space perfect for the psycho-social development that happens when youth engage in the arts in a nurturing environment.

Working in an after-school programme has taught me…

That education is not one-size-fits-all: everyone has a different way of learning, and it has been a privilege exploring that with my students and staff. It’s also taught me that the process of learning and self- discovery can be fun!

I think after school programmes can benefit communities because…

They allow young people to be engaged in positive activities during a time when they might otherwise be unsupervised and thus at risk. They allow young people to develop holistically and encourage them to stay in school.

ASSITEJ SA – Learner

Area: Vrygrond

Pillar: Arts and Culture

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ... 

They provide a safe space for one to explore their creativity and individuality within a group, without judgement. They also provide a space that is safe from negative influences in the community.

I started attending After School Programme when...

I was in grade 6/7. Friends of mine had already been attending and, because of that, I was drawn to the After School Programme.

After School Programmes can teach learners skills, such as...

How to work within a team, leadership skills, the effective communication and articulation of thoughts and ideas, how to trust your abilities as well as those of others, it even teaches things about yourself and challenges you to leave your comfort zone, it also teaches public speaking skills

The best/most amazing/impressive change I saw in myself was… 

When I became confident and could actually perform in front of hoards people shamelessly. Doing oral exams for English class became effortless and I was inspired by theatre and ASSITEJ SA that I made the decision to study Theatre and Performance at the University of Cape Town.

The Cape Leopard Trust-Practitioner, Programme Manager

Area: Cape Town

Pillar: Arts and Culture

Working in an after-school programme has taught me…

That you are never too old to learn. Learning is a life-long process and even though we are the practitioners, we still learn from the youth. We have to constantly adapt our approaches to suit the learning styles and new knowledge required to deal with the issues of today.

I love working with learners after school because...

This is a space in which learners feel less restricted than they do during the school day. They are more likely to display their real personalities when they feel that they can be themselves. This gives us an opportunity to tap into their real personalities, and their desire to learn and explore and love nature.

After school programmes can teach learners skills, such as...

Learning how to develop strong, positive relationships with adults and other children. They learn how to adapt to their situations and to communicate better. Our programme also gives youth opportunities to develop leadership and decision-making skills. On our walks in the mountains they learn hiking and survival skills, which add to their overall abilities and readiness to face the challenges of growing up.

Volunteer tutor, After School Game Changer

Pillar: Academic and eLearning for Grade 4

I’m passionate about After School Programmes because… every child in every grade needs to know that, no matter what, there will always be someone there for them. Being in this programme can help fulfill this need. One-on-one tutoring allows intensive support that’s adapted to a child's individual difficulties.

I’m excited to be… involved in a learner’s journey. I’m also learning a lot, not only about the kids but also about myself. Thanks to the extra attention, several students are improving and unmotivated students are beginning to show interest. 

The programme offers… the opportunity to build a relationship on a ‘neutral’ basis without putting pressure on learners. The teachers are grateful for our helping hands. One teacher said, ‘It’s a real stress reducer knowing that the “slow” learners got additional help’.

Monitoring Officer-Pratitioner-Coach, Waves For Change

Area: Muizenberg( Cape Town)

Pillar: Life Skills

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ...

They teach children to master skills and to implement these skills in their everyday lives. I am passionate about After School Programmes because they provide a safe space for children, where they have access to a caring adult and other vital resources. Also, in the communities in which we work, there are a large number of child-headed houses. Thus, After School Programmes allow children the opportunity to be a child, to have fun, to discover their strengths and build confidence, resilience and respect for themselves and others. They also learn how to build relationships. As a result, these children will make better decisions, and they will be more likely to achieve their goals.

I began working in an after school programme when...

I started working at Waves for Change in February 2015.

Working in an after-school programme has taught me…

That no matter where I come from and no matter what my context is and how much I struggle, I can still achieve my goals and be the mentor that I always wanted when I was a young child. It has taught me to identify my own strengths and how to use these to mentor children and to help them to identify their own strengths.

I love working with learners after school because...

It makes me feel happy when I see a smile on a child’s face when I know that I have had a positive impact on a child’s life. Even if I impact only one child’s life, I have nonetheless made a difference. I love seeing a child being a child.

Programme Officer, Amandla Edufootball

Area : Cape Town

Pillar: Sport and Recreation, Life Skills

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ...

I saw a huge gap within the community and the aid to help others to be able to gain the skills and knowledge in order for them to be able to gain access they are not getting with in their communities.   

I love working with learners After School because...

As much as i share my expertise with them i also learn from and the mutual respect we give each other gives me the love to be within an After School programme

After School Programmes can teach learners skills, such as...

Life skills so that they can be able to be active citizens and be positive role models to their peers

I think After School Programmes can benefit communities because…

In the communities we work in are within disadvantage communities the benefits the After School Programmes benefit the learners is that they get exposed to things that they are unable to reach and that expands their knowledge and so that they can think outside of the box and give them the chance to realize their full potential and dare to dream

Practitioner, ASSITEJ South Africa

Area: Vrygrond ,Cape Town

Pillar: Arts and Culture

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ... 

It is a space where children can play and become themselves without being judged or told how to act it is a place to nurture and support their potential and God given talents without restrictions and rules. It exposes creativity and gives them new ideas and it stirs up confidence in a child. It is a safe space and a place for play.

Working in an After School Programme has taught me…

to be humble and to work effectively with children. It has taught me to how to love and care deeply for all children in my community. It has taught me how to work with a wide range of personalities, cultures and backgrounds. It has moulded my leadership skills and teaching skills for the better. It has also helped me be an understanding young mother to my own children and how to play with them.

After School Programmes can teach learners skills, such as...
being a team player
Leadership skills
Communication skills
Problem solving
Decision making
Listening skills.

The best/most amazing/impressive change I saw in a child I worked with was… 

I saw in a child I worked with was when a girl who joined my drama classes three years ago, who was an introvert and very shy she could hardly speak a word in front of a small group of children her own age. But now she performed on a large professional theatre stage (Baxter Theatre) and she has improved in her communication skills her English oral marks at school improved. She is now able to express herself verbally; She asks questions and can introduce herself in a crowd; she even leads games.

Principal, Grade 4 Programme

Pillar: Art and Culture, Academic, Sport and Recreation and Life Skills

Area: Ludwe Ngamlana,Khayelitsha

Working in After School Programmes has taught me…

To let kids be themselves. Let them be unique, let them be special, let them be able to identify, let them analyse, create and initiate their own things. It has taught me that children are really different, they are not the same, so they have to be treated so.

After School Programmes can teach learners skills, such as...

Communication, debating, critical thinking and the ability to develop things on their own as they engage in Maths and language games. They develop team building skills; tolerance and respect for each other’s views.

The best/most amazing/impressive change I saw in a child I worked with was…

I’ve seen learners develop self confidence that enables them to stand in front of other learners. They develop independence and the ability to work on their own. Even if they were weak in terms of reading, after the intervention they improve to the next level. Learners are able to go home excited about learning. They no longer panic because they know there are also some other activities that they are going to engage in that will improve their knowledge.

I think After School Programmes can benefit communities because…

We are living in a community where there are high levels of unemployment. After School programmes have given them an opportunity to be tutors. They get motivation and skills that prepare them for tertiary studies and opens opportunities for jobs.  Tutors develop a love for children, and many have decided to pursue teaching as a career. Our communities really need new and passionate teachers. Together we are helping develop future citizens who love education, can find joy in it and can make learning exciting for learners. It really is a fun time when tutors are there.

Practitioner, Ikamva Youth

Pillar: Academic and eLearning

I believe that each child deserves… someone to look up to, a caring adult that can give them a chance, listen to and mentor them to become a better version of themselves. I’d like to see more learners benefiting from the after-school programmes, finally getting a better chance at higher education institutions. 

I’m also very passionate about… youth development. I’d like to inspire at least one person to live their full potential. It’s always wonderful and amazing to see the learners that have been part of the programme becoming leaders in the school space. 

I’m proud to say… I’ve seen some of my learners now joining other after school spaces such as the choir, debate team and sports and they are doing amazingly there as well. 

Practitioner, Etafeni Day Care Centre Trust

Area: Nyanga

Pillar: Academic or eLearning

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ...

I never had someone who cared about my academics and social support ,who understood me, and walked with me on my journey through childhood and young adulthood.

I began working in an after school programme when...

I finished my studies in 2013. I am now the Programme Coordinator, and also help with academic support for our learners. I learnt many new skills at the training provided by the After School Game Changer in 2018. These helped me to become a more successful Practitioner, and to take our programme to the next level.

Working in an after-school programme has taught me…

About my own values, as well as about the purpose of and key role that After School Programmes can play in the lives of all stakeholders.

I love working with learners after school because...

I value getting to know more about myself, and helping learners to get to know themselves. I enjoy helping children through difficult times by mentoring them and being an example to them. I believe it is important to help children to overcome the obstacles they may be facing. All of these things help to reduce the number of children dropping out of school.

MOD programme-Practitioner, Coach

Area: Bongolwethu Primary school Philipi, Cape Town

Pillar: Arts and Culture

I believe After School Programmes help learners… 

In many ways. For example, they help learners to express themselves and to do better academically. The teach learners skills such as teamwork, self-awareness, as well as reading and writing, confidence, respect and conflict management. 

They also benefit communities because… 

Most parents are working long hours so After School Practitioners are playing the role of being a parent to those learners that we work with in the After School Space. 

Working in an After School Programme has taught me…

to love and care for others and also to be a good role model in my Community. I have great passion for our youth and also love to share my skills with the learners. I love to see my learners appearing on big stages and on TV, and to see them progressing in the art that we do (juggling), and becoming professionals.  

Programme Manager, Bonnie People Project

Area: Bonnievale, Plakkerskamp

Pillar: Sport and Recreation, Life Skills, Academic or eLearning

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ... 

Through these programmes we can provide learners the opportunities to explore and dream in a safe environment. We can inspire them to realize that if they really want to they can be whoever they want no matter where they come from. By attending the programme we can help them with their short and long term goals. We hope that by being there for them we can build stronger relationships.

After School Programmes can teach learners skills, such as...

Discipline, commitment, respect and that it is never too late to start learning.

I think After School Programmes can benefit communities because…

It can help the parents as well as the children. It also builds a sense of belonging amongst the children in the communities.

Principal, Grosvenor Primary School 

Atlantis, West Coast, Western Cape 

Winner of 2018 Leadership Excellence Award in After-School Programming

After School Programmes create opportunities… for learners. They’re all searching for something that makes them feel unique and special, that helps them identify their abilities and potential so they can try realise them. 

The children are happier... more energetic, and our results are better. Also, the teachers plan better and their self-esteem is very high.

We have one child who... was a very difficult learner. He stole things and did not want to be at school. Through playing ringball in an after school programme, he achieved his Western Cape Province colours. It had a huge ripple effect. He’s loving school, and when other pupils saw what he had achieved, they felt they could achieve things.

To set up After School Programmes it’s important… to network a lot and find people who’ll buy into the idea. 

Programme Manager, Scouts South Africa, Various areas

Pillar: Life Skills

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ...

It breaks the cycle and norm which has been established by generations before. It creates hope, opportunity and introduces the possibility of unlimited potential. When working in the space we work in so often our young people are broken and they need to be made whole.

Working in an after-school programme has taught me…

Never ever assume that you know. Never ever give up. Push and motivate those who look towards you as a guide or mentor so hard that they become what they thought they could never achieve. Be close enough to help them up when the fall yet far enough to see them grow.

I love working with learners after school because...

They have a sense of honesty when then interact through their happiness, hardship and realisation. It's amazing to see how they develop and grow.

Practitioner, Butterfly Art Project

Area: Cape Town, Vrygrond

Pillar: Arts and Culture

Working in an after-school programme has taught me…

To love and care for learners, even the ones who get labelled “naughty”. I see them flourish in the art room because it is here where they feel courageous enough to explore. I have learnt to work with a wide range of personalities, and this has helped me to become a better person.

I love working with learners after school because...

It gives me an opportunity to be a good role model to our learners. I have a chance to help steer them down the right path in life. I can now be part of a positive change in their lives and in my community.

After school programmes can teach learners skills, such as...

Art, sport and academic skills. These programmes also help with learner confidence, as this space might be a place where they are encouraged to participate in group activities.

The best/most amazing/impressive change I saw in a child I worked with was…

I saw a boy who did not have any art skills at all, learn to paint and draw. He became so disciplined that he did these things in his spare time at home as well. I saw him going from a shy boy to standing in front of people and talking about his art and why he is doing it. For me, this is a significant change, because it shows that with only a little bit of encouragement, all caterpillars bloom into beautiful butterflies.

Dream Factory Foundation - Practitioner

Area: Cape Town

Pillar: Life Skills, Academic or eLearning

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ... 

I get to see young people's lives changed every day. I enjoy seeing them grow and heal from the circumstances that may be surrounding them in their communities.  I love seeing them achieve all their goals and grow to become vital members of the nation who are creating change. It is the best Job ever!

Working in an After School Programme has taught me…

To be humble and be grateful for everything I get to experience. It has taught me to be patient with my learners too. I also realized, the importance of being passionate about my work and always maintaining a mentality of learning.

After School Programmes can teach learners skills, such as...

Teamwork, discipline, time management, conflict resolution, unity, hard work and the art of having fun.

I think After School Programmes can benefit communities because…

It takes an entire village to raise a child. I have seen in the time I have been part of the After school, that public do not cater to certain needs that the learners may get if they were in a private school. So with After school programmes we ensure that all learners no matter the background or circumstances they come from get the same opportunity as others.

Practitioner, Magnet Theatre 

Area: Cape Town

Pillar: Arts and Culture

I am passionate about After School Programmes because ... 

It gives me meaning and purpose as a human being and South African citizen. It's a challenging yet fulfilling thing to work with young minds, to assist and witnesss their growth as they slowly unearth their latent talents. I cherish the relationships between me, the learners, and the other facilitators and teachers.

I began working in an After School Programme when...

After graduating from university I worked as an administration intern at Magnet Theatre and after a year, I was given the opportunity to co-ordinate one of their outreach programmes, Culture Gangs.

Working in an After School Programme has taught me…

Humility and resilience, the people I come across in my work (the good ones anyway) share these qualities. The job demands it, the learners demand it and my co-workers demand. This is also true vice versa.

Volunteer tutor, Year Beyond Programme 

Mitchell’s Plain, Cape Town

Pillar: Academic

I’m passionate about After School Programmes because… they create a platform for learners to fully express themselves, whether through academics or the various arts. Learners also get to experience the wonders of education in a fun and interactive way. 

It’s been an enriching experience...  working with learners. It’s amazing how such lovely souls can inspire one to keep moving forward despite countless setbacks. Keep motivating, keep inspiring because it’s an after school advantage. 

A day I will never forget was… when I received positive feedback from educators Getting acknowledgement was one of the goals I set myself as a volunteer, and when it happened I felt it was an achievement.