#LightsOnAfterSchool

Minister Mackenzie calls for support for ‘Lights On After School’ 2024

It is one week to go until global ‘Lights On After School’ Day, which will be celebrated on 24 October 2024 to highlight the vital role played by After School Programmes (ASPs) in equipping learners to thrive. Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, encourages widespread support for this year’s campaign, themed ‘Building … Read more

After School Programmes a lifeline  for SA youth facing a tough job market

Media Release As the class of 2024 prepares for their final matric exams, they’re not just facing academic pressures—they’re also confronting the harsh realities of an ever-evolving job market. South Africa’s youth unemployment rate, one of the highest in the world, has skyrocketed to 45.5% in the first quarter of this year, significantly higher than … Read more

Shining a spotlight on After School Learning: The Learning Trust launches 5th annual Lights On After School campaign

The Learning Trust proudly announced the launch of the 5th annual Lights On After School campaign, a national initiative that highlights the vital role of after school programmes (ASPs) in South Africa. This year’s campaign, in partnership with the Youth and After School Programme Office (Western Cape), was themed Building Strong Foundations and focuses on the transformative power … Read more

Annual Lights On After School Movement calls to end a failing education system

As South African schools enter the final exam phase for the year, all eyes are on the education sector, and the academic performance of students. While the official matric pass rate for 2022 was recorded as 80.1%, many educational experts highlighted the high student drop-out rate, which  realistically puts the pass rate at under 55%.   … Read more

helping reduce school violence

Mental Health issues a global challenge

Lights On After School is a global initiative that aims to help raise awareness of the importance of after school programs and their impact on children’s lives. The movement began more than 20 years ago in the US, led by the Afterschool Alliance. Today, it has grown into a global organization supported by tens of thousands of people and organizations around the world. This year’s Lights on theme focuses on mental health and academic support.

Mental health community walk

Lights On Afterschool & Mental Health

Lights On After School is a global initiative that aims to help raise awareness of the importance of after school programs and their impact on children’s lives.

lights on kids

After school programmes boosting youth’s mental health

Good Hope FM Interview The rise in reports of mental illness amongst young people is alarming. Over the last few years young people have been and are still dealing with grief, loss of family income, educational setbacks, and doubt regarding their future plans. They are experiencing, quite understandably increased anxiety, hopelessness and depression. ASPs play … Read more

Girls Camp

United Through Sport – changing young lives in Gqebhera with After School

Our Eastern Cape grantee, United through Sport, was featured in Algoa FM’s weekly segment, Algoa Cares. This was our effort to put a spotlight on the work of After School programmes across the country in order to celebrate the Lights On movement. [button link=”https://iono.fm/e/1119669″ newwindow=”yes”] Listen to interview…[/button]