The Amplify After School Symposium is for
After School Programme Leaders and Practitioners
January 30- 31st, 2024
The Amplify After School Symposium, held on January 30th and 31st, 2024, was a triumph. Attendees immersed themselves in a dynamic atmosphere characterised by innovation and collaboration. Throughout workshops and masterclasses, attendees delved into various strategies, fostering a spirit of learning and growth. Beyond the exchange of knowledge, the symposium was lighthearted and fun, embodying the vibrant spirit of the After School sector and the communities it serves. Thank you for being a part of the Amplify After School Symposium.
The Symposium encompassed pertinent and distinctive themes, including “Amplifying Educational Transformation.”
We delved into the pivotal role of After School Programmes (ASPs) within the ecosystem, illuminating their impact on socio-emotional learning in underserved areas by bolstering support for children and youth. In exploring the theme of “Scaling Impact“, we scrutinised effective strategies and sustainable models tailored to diverse needs. Then we embraced “Innovation” by delving into cutting-edge technologies within the ASP sphere.
Furthermore, we unlocked opportunities under the theme of “Employing & Empowering Youth”, gaining insights into the challenges, successes, and future prospects of youth employment. In the realm of “Strengthening Public Partnerships”, we investigated government priorities and heard from the Department of Education about what it takes to scale up programmes in partnership with the Government. Lastly, to “Sustainably Resource ASPs”, we explored methods for brand-building, organisational positioning, and innovative fundraising practices.
180 changemakers attended
From 92 organisations in South Africa!
Key Insights
Plenary Sessions
Opening Conversation
- Civil society must dream and innovate where government is absent.
- Unleash everyone’s potential and consider youth “resources’ rather than “beneficiaries”.
- Position youth as custodians of our nation.
- Consider After School as the realm for free thinking for young people, and engage them in meeting our democratic ideals.
Systemic Change with Kate Philip
- Ample work exists nationwide. Never let a good crisis go to waste.
- The Presidential Employment Stimulus employs youth in communities.
- 97% of principals value youth employment programmes.
- Break the poverty cycle; all markets have social worth.
- Use social instruments for market gaps.
Power Talk from Kevin L. Brown at Mighty Ally
- Be fundable = describe why you exist, what you do, where you’re going, who will do it, and how to get it done.
- Be findable = occupy a space in the minds of your audience, and routinely communicate a brand promise.
- Shorten your mission statement to 8-words or less.
Youth Empowerment
- Organisations have used their Social Employment Fund project to scale their programmes.
- Young people benefit from the stipend, demonstrating the tangible benefits for youth empowerment.
- Through SEF young people have developed skills, confidence and connections.
Workshops and Masterclasses
Workshop 1: Strategic Leadership
- DBE prioritises larger initiatives over small NGOs with limited reach.
- Cost per learner is a significant factor for DBE consideration.
- Data that demonstrates effectiveness is crucial, with RCTs not necessarily required.
- Not every organisation has to scale!
Workshop 2: Quality Standards in ASPs
- Setting aspirational goals for ASPs not punitive measurement.
- Quality Standards assist ASPs to reflect against a “gold standard” of implementation.
- Collaboration is key: Co-creating relevant standards that provide a framework ASPs.
- Quality Standards are living and evolving.
Workshop 3: Successful partnerships with Schools
- Practice humility for strong school relationships.
- Respect their space; you’re a guest.
- Keep schools informed and engaged at all times.
- Avoid relying solely on MoUs – the relationship is much more important.
Masterclass 1: How to source alternative and sustainable funding
- Apply business principles for social benefit.
- Utilise diverse organisational structures for profitability.
- Cultivate a balanced fundraising mix.
- Innovate to simplify complex offerings for wider accessibility.
- Leverage your network for new connections.
Masterclass 2: How to Run a Successful Advocacy Campaign
- Define clear, time-bound goals to focus advocacy efforts and drive meaningful change.
- Identify and engage stakeholders to effectively convey messages.
- Craft compelling messaging that resonates with your audience.
- Measure the impact of your campaign using established metrics.
Masterclass 3: How to Nurture Young Minds
- Strategic shift targets youth mental health.
- Alarming stats showing high youth trauma in South Africa
- .There is an urgent need for targeted support.
- Early intervention crucial for mental health.
Pecha Kucha Presentations
We experienced riveting Pecha Kucha-style presentations by inspiring speakers, unveiling cutting-edge innovations and exciting opportunities within the ASP realm.
| Eugene Pelteret, Reflective Learning Reflective Learning‘s online programme aids learners in addressing backlogs, supported by data demonstrating catch-up potential. After School Programmes can partner with Reflective Learning. Learners need 1 hour per week and a smart device. | Jackson Tshabalala, Tangible Leva Foundation Leva Foundation has developed a game called Rangers to support learners without computers or any tech to learn coding. They are working with 120K learners in 25 countries and 500 schools. |
| Vika Mjoka, Lalela Lalale’s art programme engages 3000 learners, while Lalela collaborated with the Department of Education to implement the Heart Maps Social Cohesion curriculum, impacting nearly 300k learners | Tim Conibear, TeamPact TeamPact has created a user-friendly app for After-School Programmes (ASPs) to effortlessly track attendance, monitor organisational progress in real-time, and gather instant feedback. ASPs can enjoy a 12-month licence for R30 000, with a complimentary one-month trial. |
Starting Something From Nothing
We were inspired to start something! We unravelled the intricacies of building and leading thriving organisations. We heard from Andrew Barrett, OLICO Maths Education, Moitshepi Matsheng, Youth Impact , Wendy Abrahams, Advance Edukos Foundation and Christine Downton, Founder of The Learning Trust.
Participants Described their Day in One Word!
