The Learning Trust recently hosted its Lights On After School celebration at the Joza Youth Hub, an event that drew over 100 attendees from the community. The gathering showcased various after-school programmes that focus on education, sports, and skills development for learners. The event's theme, Switched On! Ready to Learn, Ready to Play, Ready to Grow, reflected its aim of highlighting the importance of after-school activities.
The event featured a mini parade at the Joza Youth Hub, followed by an exhibition at Nompumelelo Pre-school. According to Nompumezo Makinana, the Eastern Cape programmes officer for The Learning Trust, the turnout exceeded her initial expectations. She noted that the celebration provided a platform for organisations to connect and explore potential partnerships. Some organisations even received new registrations from learners interested in joining their programmes.
Despite the numerous after-school programmes operating in Makhanda, limited public awareness remains a significant challenge. Makinana pointed out that many learners are unaware of the existence of these programmes. Organisations such as Inkululeko and IkamvaYouth offer academic support, while the Lebone Centre and Joza Reading Club focus on literacy development. However, funding and staff shortages affect the sustainability of these programmes, with many relying on a few individuals with multiple responsibilities.
The Learning Trust supports organisations through its Eastern Cape Community of Practice, where after-school practitioners exchange knowledge and address operational challenges. The trust also provides capacity-building support to help emerging organisations become sustainable. Makinana emphasised that government recognition of the sector has been slow, stressing that after-school programmes are critical and should be integrated into schools with dedicated resources and staff.
One of the participating organisations was the Yveslight Institution of Skills and Leadership (YISL), a non-profit established in 2022. YISL focuses on arts, sports, literacy, and skills development. Its founder, Nokwakha Myeki-Siwela, a former teacher, established the organisation to provide extracurricular opportunities that schools lack. YISL works with schools to introduce children to activities such as music, chess, and creative arts.
YISL works with approximately 750 children annually and aims to reach about 1 000 as it expands to more schools. Myeki-Siwela identified reliable transportation as a significant challenge, which would enable the organisation to reach more schools and provide opportunities to more children. The organisation has already provided learners with exposure to various activities, including the National Arts Festival and journalism.
The event demonstrated the importance of community involvement in children's development, according to Zipho Ndwayana, the master of ceremonies. Ndwayana encouraged parents to support after-school programmes by motivating their children to participate and becoming actively involved. The Learning Trust intends to continue supporting its existing partners while exploring opportunities to collaborate with organisations in underserved areas of the Eastern Cape.
Key points
- The event showcased various after-school programmes that focus on education, sports, and skills development for learners.
- Limited public awareness and funding shortages affect the sustainability of after-school programmes in Makhanda.
- The Learning Trust supports organisations through its Eastern Cape Community of Practice and provides capacity-building support.
