The Learning Trust drives SA’s first #LightsOnAfterschool campaign in celebration of their 10-year anniversary .
Grant-making and educational support organisation, ![]()
The Learning Trust (TLT), put the spotlight on the NGO after-school sector by calling on all after-school organisations in South
Africa to participate in the global #LightsOnAfterSchool campaign on 22 October. The international
movement is aimed at increasing awareness of the after-school sector and its impact on improving
learner outcomes and broader education as a whole. This is the first year that South African
after-school programmes (ASPs) joined the 20-year old campaign.
“We had an overwhelming response from the after-school sector for our very first
#LightsOnAfterSchool campaign. It was great to see so many communities come together to highlight
the impact that these programmes have on the lives of our most vulnerable children.“
“Participation in this movement came at such a pivotal time, as South Africa’s most vulnerable
children have suffered through tremendous learning challenges this year. Continued support for the
South African NGO after-school sector is essential if we are to mitigate the impact Covid-19 has had
on learning, and the #LightsOnAfterSchool campaign highlights the critical role these programmes
play in providing equal access to educational as well as pyscho-social support,” said Sibongile
Khumalo, Executive Director of The Learning Trust.
After-school programmes are organised activities for children to participate in at the end of their
formal school day, these include extra homework assistance and dedicated tutoring, career guidance
and job readiness programmes, arts and crafts, physical movement, music programmes, feeding
schemes, sports and more. Many ASPs also run facilities that offer computers and data access to
learners.
ASPs influential in bridging the learning gap in lower quintile schools
Celebrating their 10-year anniversary this month, TLT has reached over 250 000 SA learners and
facilitated the investment of approximately R80 million in the NGO after-school sector over the past
decade. The aim of the organisation is to serve young people living in poverty and exclusion by
minimising the access gap of quintile 1-3 schools, which make up approximately 90% of total public
schools. According to a 2018 Western Cape Government After School ![]()
report, the education gap in SA
is between 4-6 years. This means that in a lot of instances, grade 8 learners are working at a grade 4
level.
Research reveals how ASPs have been one of the most influential players in minimising the learning
gaps of the educational system in these lower quintile schools which are said to experience the
highest number of grade repetitions and drop-outs annually.
“There is an undeniable need to show the difference that ASPS make in improving learning potential
of vulnerable children. The evidence from our international counterparts is solid and we are
continuously working to undertake and present local research that reinforces the data of the
educational gap in SA.
In order to produce significant improvement in public school learning and overcome the
socio-economic inequalities in South African society, it is necessary to look at how change can be affected beyond the classroom. This is where initiatives like the #LightsOnAfterSchool campaign
become important, as a tool to help highlight the positive impact of the non-profit ASP sector,” said
Khumalo.
The first #LightsOnAfterSchool campaign in South Africa
The #LightsOnAfterSchool campaign was launched by the nonprofit US-based organisation ![]()
Afterschool Alliance, on 22 October 2000, and is chaired by Former California Governor (and
Hollywood actor), Arnold Schwarzenegger. The organisation calls on ASP partners throughout the
world to generate awareness of equal and quality access to learning programmes. This year’s 21st
annual campaign was dedicated to shining a light on everything ASPS have done in an
unprecedented year and involved hosted events as well as roundtable discussions with policy
makers, local community leaders and educational institutions.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with the Afterschool Alliance to drive the first
#LightsOnAfterSchool campaign in South Africa and encouraged as many NGO’s as possible to get
involved. We asked ASPs to celebrate in any way they’d like and to get creative by way of writing a
poem or a piece of music or hosting a small event in their local community showcasing the work they
do, “said Khumalo.
campaign by hosting art hubs every Friday in the month of October. Founder and Programme
Director, Wendy Abrahams said “We were 100% behind the #LightsOnAfterSchool campaign, because
for too long educational stakeholders have not seen the value that these programmes offer. Our art
sessions not only teach artistic skills but provide a platform for youth to be vulnerable and experience
healing. It is a safe space for experimental and expressive learning as well as a place where youth
can have a sense of belonging. After-school programmes bridge the gap between school and the
home.”
Future of the after-school sector
According to Khumalo, there is an incredible task ahead to shape a post-pandemic world where
children can thrive. The funding climate in the non-profit sector remains unfavourable, especially for
the emerging grassroots organisations that TLT supports. But despite this, they intend to continue
being a funder that provides a safety net for their grantee partners. She adds that collaboration and
accessibility are key. “In a time of perpetual uncertainty, technological innovations and interventions
are pointless if they are not accessible to learners from under-resourced and poor communities. ASPs
have to be the conduit for diverse learning opportunities, so they can continue to be a powerful
player in meeting the needs of millions of underserved children.”
TLTs future intention is to drive policy development in the area of extended learning, by encouraging
and supporting government to issue policy guidelines around incorporating co-curricular activities as
part of a full school day. Further to this, they wish to see provincial education departments
partnering with NGOs to deliver after school activities in marginalised schools and communities.
For more information on #LightOnAfterSchool campaign visit ![]()
www.thelearningtrust.org
