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).

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🔗 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

Your Conference Experience

Click to explore the key focus areas driving innovation and impact in after-school this year.

1. Sustainably Resourcing After-School Programmes

Why: Financial sustainability remains the top challenge for ASPs. This theme explores blended income models, creative fundraising strategies, and HR/retention approaches.
Includes:

  • Private funding
  • Social enterprise models
  • Donor engagement

2. Youth Employment, Foundational Learning & Life Outcomes

Why: Balances economic opportunity for youth with foundational literacy and Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL).
Includes:

  • Foundational Literacy (Zazi IZandi results by Binding Constraints Lab)
  • Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL)
  • Youth employment pathways / SEF

3. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) for Scale

Why: Practical MEL support is essential for improving delivery, demonstrating impact, and scaling responsibly.
Includes:

  • Tools and frameworks
  • Sector benchmarks
  • Fostering learning cultures

4. Partnerships for Systemic Impact

Why: Strong government and school partnerships enable ASPs to thrive and influence policy.
Includes:

  • Engaging principals and teachers
  • Collaborating with provinces
  • Policy influence

5. Cross-Cutting Innovation Lens

Focus Areas:

  • Localisation and community-rooted solutions
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in education (EdTech)
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) embedded in outcomes.
Two-day symposium packed with keynotes, plenaries, Idea Labs, workshops and peer learning. The official programme will be shared soon.

Day 1: Reimagining Possibility

  • Keynote Address & plenary sessions
  • Idea Labs & Masterclasses
  • Networking & sector insights

Day 2: Collaborate to Amplify

  • Awards ceremony celebrating sector excellence
  • Plenary sessions & Keynotes
  • Practitioner-led sessions
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.

More info >

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:

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