the Amplify After School Symposium is BACk!
Innovation and Impact in After School Programmes
February 25- 26, 2026
Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, Milnerton, Cape Town
Join after-school leaders, practitioners and innovators from across South Africa for two days of practical learning, collaboration and reflection. The Amplify After School Symposium is a space to explore what works, share tools, and strengthen the impact and sustainability of After School Programmes (ASPs).
Book Tickets via Quicket🔗 Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to help you secure your spot with ease!
A transformative two-day programme for…
Innovators. Practitioners. Leaders
Amplify Symposium 2026 brings together those shaping the future of after-school to engage with ideas, evidence and practice that strengthen programmes and systems.
WHY ATTEND AMPLIFY 2026?
- Gain practical tools you can apply immediately in your programme
- Learn from peers, practitioners, and sector leaders
- Explore innovative approaches to funding, sustainability and impact
- Understand pathways to youth employment and other opportunities
- Celebrate successes and share insights at the AMPLIFY Awards
A two-day symposium packed with keynotes, plenaries, Idea Labs, workshops and peer learning.
Amplify After School Symposium 2026
Innovation and Impact
Amplify After School Programme Awards 2026
Celebrating champions of South Africa’s after-school sector
The Learning Trust invites nominations for the Amplify After School Programme Awards 2026, recognising outstanding individuals who are making a lasting difference in the lives of children and young people through in/after-school and out-of-school-time programmes across South Africa.
These awards shine a spotlight on the educators, facilitators, mentors, and practitioners whose commitment, creativity, and leadership strengthen learning, wellbeing, and opportunity beyond the classroom.
About the Awards
The Amplify After School Programme Awards form part of The Learning Trust’s commitment to building a stronger, more connected after-school ecosystem and sector. Award recipients will be recognised at a dedicated awards ceremony in 2026, alongside leaders from education, philanthropy, civil society, and government.
What We’re Looking For
Amplify Champions:
- Create meaningful impact for children and young people
- Demonstrate innovation and creativity in their work
- Act as mentors, role models, and advocates
- Show leadership and collaboration within the sector
- Reflect the values, cultures, and strengths of the communities they serve
How to Nominate
Anyone can nominate — colleagues, organisational leaders, parents, community members, partners, or individuals themselves.
Strong nominations include real examples of impact, supported by testimonials, photos, or short videos.
Key Dates
- Nominations open: Thursday, 5 February 2026
- Nominations close: Monday, 16 February 2026
- Awards ceremony: Wednesday, 25 February 2026
Amplify 2026 Speakers List
Industry experts and innovators
– OLICO Maths
– CoolPlay
– DG Murray Trust
– Just Grace
– Edutech Institute
– Phambano Technology Development Centre NPC
– Write4Life
– Presidential Employment Stimulus
– National Department of Basic Education
– Waves for Change
– LEVA Foundation
– YearBeyond
– Edulution
– Binding Constraints Lab
– School of Hard Knocks
– Ikamva Youth
– Lefa Cooperative
– Masinyusane
Full Speakers list
- Andrew Barrett – OLICO Maths
- Asiphe Mishiyi – The Learning Trust
- Bokang Mokoena – Phakamani Young Minds Academy
- Carl Davids – CoolPlay
- Charlene Petersen – The Learning Trust
- Cindy Mkaza-Siboto – The Learning Trust
- Claudia Stanfield –DG Murray Trust
- Delphino Machikicho – Just Grace
- Denver Naidu – Edutech Institute
- Di Ruthenberg – Phambano Technology Development Centre NPC
- Dorothy Dyer – Write4Life
- Dr Kate Philip – Presidential Employment Stimulus
- Dr Naledi Mbude-Mehana – National Department of Basic Education
- Finlay Kettlewell – Waves for Change
- Jackson Tshabalala – LEVA Foundation
- Jacqui Boulle – YearBeyond
- Jane de Sousa – The Butterfly Art Project
- John Jaabeck – Edulution
- Joy Olivier – Binding Constraints Lab
- Karabo Nkosi – The Learning Trust
- Kumbirai Madziwa – The Learning Trust
- Lana Rolfe – School of Hard Knocks
- Leona Chabata – Just Grace
- Masonwabe Nduna – Assumption Development Centre
- Mmakgosi Chaane-Pule – Standard Bank Tutuwa
- Motsilisi Phutheho – Soweto Basketball Academy
- Ms Sixolile Mabombo-Benson – The Learning Trust
- Nomfundo Xangu – The Learning Trust
- Nompumezo Makinana – The Learning Trust
- Prince Matlhogonolo – MCOC
- Shuvai Finos – Ikamva Youth
- Sisonke Sokudela – After School Programme Learner (Tores Foundation)
- Stanford Ndlovu – Masinyusane Development Organisation
- Tebogo Loate – Lefa Cooperative
- Wendy Abrahams – Advance Edukos Foundation
- Yolisa Shugu – The Learning Trust
- Zama Zulu – Masinyusane
- Zoe Mann – The Learning Trust
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amplify After School Symposium?
The Learning Trust’s premier annual event, where After School Programmes (ASPs), visionaries, changemakers and leaders come together to spark collaboration and drive sustainable impact. This dynamic two-day symposium, under the theme “Innovation and Impact in After-School Programmes,” offers opportunities to engage in transformative conversations on resourcing, youth employment pathways and systemic change in after-school.
Experience a vibrant platform connecting practitioners, government representatives, civil society and philanthropy leaders. In 2026, we celebrate collective achievements through storytelling, immersive exhibitions, performances and cultural expressions, co-creating innovative solutions with national changemakers shaping the future of after-school programmes.
When and where is the event?
Wednesday, 25 February and Thursday, 26 February, starting at 9:00 AM daily, at the Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, Milnerton, Cape Town. The venue offers stunning ocean views and ample facilities for workshops and networking.
Who can attend the Amplify Symposium 2026?
The event is open to leaders, practitioners, funders and stakeholders in the after-school sector, including programme managers, directors, educators, and partner organisations.
How can I buy a ticket?
Tickets are available online via Quicket: https://bit.ly/AmplifySymposium26. Simply select your ticket type, quantity and complete payment securely. Early Bird tickets are available until 31 January 2026 with 25% off using the code EarlyBird2026.
What is the cost, and what does it include?
To ensure your attendance is hassle-free, we’ve introduced a versatile ticket system for both days, offering three tiers: R800 (tier 1), R500 (tier 2), and R300 (tier 3) based on your financial capacity. We encourage you to purchase tier 1 tickets if it is within your means. All tickets are heavily discounted as The Learning Trust is generously covering the majority of conference expenses.
Can I bring guests or children?
Guests are welcome with separate registration. This is an after-school focused event, so children under 12 are not permitted for safety and content reasons.
What if I have questions about the Symposium?
For any enquiries related to tickets, programme content, or participation, please email .
When will the programme be available?
The full programme will be shared soon on our website and social media. We’re curating a mix of masterclasses, workshops, peer exchange and panel discussions focused on sustainable funding, partnerships, organisational resilience and scaling impact in After School Programmes.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. Financial assistance may be available for ticket costs or travel (for out-of-province attendees). Applicants must submit a short 250-word motivation via this form Form: https://forms.gle/Z4SdQGRba7ikJTih8 or email . Support is subject to availability and at TLT’s discretion.
Can I purchase a ticket on the day?
Tickets are limited, so we strongly encourage purchasing in advance to secure your place.
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, please contact to discuss options, such as transferring your ticket to a colleague.
Will meals or refreshments be provided?
Yes, all registered delegates will receive morning and afternoon refreshments, and lunch is included on both days.
What is the dress code?
Business casual is recommended.
Are there opportunities to network during the symposium?
Yes! The Amplify Symposium 2026 includes structured networking sessions, peer exchange activities and informal opportunities during breaks and meals.
Can I bring colleagues or multiple delegates from my organisation?
Yes, multiple registrations are welcome. Each delegate should purchase their own ticket and complete the registration process.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, and quiet spaces. If you require specific support, please contact in advance so we can make necessary arrangements.
How do I know my ticket purchase was successful?
After completing your ticket purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket. If you do not receive it, check your spam folder, then contact . Click here for a step by step guide to purchasing your ticket.
What safety measures will be in place at the venue?
The Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa follows standard safety and security protocols. Specific health measures (if applicable) will be communicated closer to the event.
Can I access materials or recordings after the symposium?
Key resources, slides and session summaries will be shared with registered delegates after the event.
What should I know about parking and transport?
Free onsite parking available. Rideshares like Uber are convenient to the Milnerton area.
What is the daily schedule?
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Will donor or attendee lists be shared?
No, to respect privacy. Focus remains on content and connections.
The venue
Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, Milnerton, Cape Town
The Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa in Milnerton, Cape Town offers excellent conferencing facilities, on-site accommodation, and a relaxed beachfront setting. The symposium will make use of a main conference venue, breakaway rooms for workshops and Idea Labs, and shared spaces for networking and connection throughout the programme.
For general enquiries about the Symposium or ticketing, please contact:
February 25-26, 2026
Lagoon Beach Hotel & Spa, Milnerton, Cape Town
If you are an after school programme leader, practitioner or changemaker who wants to grow, innovate, learn and collaborate, you can’t miss this conference.
For More Information, please contact:
Book Tickets via Quicket