After-school programmes have and continue to play an important role in providing learners with safe spaces. One of the exciting programmes that has been piloted this past year is the Year Beyond 1000 Stories Libraries Project, where youth in various towns in the Theewaterskloof Municipality are offering exciting literacy activities and reading activations at libraries throughout the respective communities.
The Western Cape Education Department hopes to expand this programme in the coming year.
In celebration of these and other programmes, collectively known as the #LightsOnAfterSchool (Loas) celebrations in South Africa, Western Cape Culture and Sports Minister Anroux Marais lit up the Western Cape Government’s provincial legislature building (with a laser projection powered by a generator) earlier this month, reflecting on the devastating impacts of Covid-19 on children and youth this year the global “Lights On” theme is #HelpingKidsRecover.
Marais explained: “Lighting up the legislature building reflects our commitment to after-school programmes and their role in helping children and youth find and pursue their passions. These programmes are also an integral part of the development of our youth and their mental well-being and resilience. We salute the people of the after school sector for their tireless commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind.”
In a recent survey of educators in over 50 primary schools, the department found that after school programmes had:. Provided much needed extra hands and capacity within schools – helping with Covid screening, food distribution and general learner logistics.. Increased self-esteem and well-being was attributed to these programmes by 97% of educators surveyed.. Improved attitude to school work as a result of this support was reported by 89% of educators.
Head of Department Guy Redman added that within the Western Cape Library Service, there is a particular focus on books and reading. He said: “These programmes have provided much-needed escape and enrichment to learners, 86% of whom are not at school every day. In a recent survey of youth champions working with schools, three quarters reported assisting with platooning classes and holding classes. Altogether, 88% of educators felt this support had improved foundational literacy skills. Reading not only opens new worlds to children, but also encourages lateral thinking and improves imagination. We will continue to support reading programmes to increase the level of literacy in our province.”
