Align. Build. Create
In this edition of the Beyond The Classroom quarterly newsletter, we share updates from the past quarter, including key developments, programme updates, and collaborative efforts driving meaningful change.
Read on to learn how we’re working together to improve learning and employment outcomes in underserved communities across South Africa. Read on to learn how we are strengthening the after-school space.
We started the year by gathering for our first Team Convergence, a two-day team gathering dedicated to reflection, alignment, and strategy.
Themed ABC, this moment allowed us to: Align on our shared mission and goals; Build stronger collaboration and teamwork; Create a clear roadmap for the year. We also engaged in an interactive session on “Strengthening Team Cohesion & Effectiveness“, facilitated by Shireen Motara, where we deepened our collaborative frameworks and refined our approach to organisational impact.
The Management Accelerator Programme Returns with a Dynamic New Cohort
This year, 23 young after-school managers have joined the Management Accelerator Programme (MAP) to grow as leaders in the after-school space. They gathered in person for a week-long immersion exploring various topics such as leadership and self-awareness, effective delegation, and HR & organisational culture—featuring an insightful session by Judith Mtsweu.
Participants also connected, exchanged ideas, and explored ways to collaborate more effectively. We look forward to introducing this dynamic cohort and sharing their leadership journeys throughout the year. We’re excited to see how they grow, and even more excited to share their stories with you.
Social Employment Fund Update
This past quarter, we hosted a final working session with our Western Cape SEF implementing partners to share strategies for supporting participants beyond the project. Partners shared practical strategies for developing skills, strengthening work readiness, and creating clear transition pathways into employment and further learning. Similar sessions were held for our partners in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape towards the end of 2024, building a collective approach across provinces.
We also took some time to visit The Sozo Foundation in Vrygrond and Advance Edukos Foundation in Mitchell’s Plain. These visits brought partner strategies to life, from structured career readiness training to psychosocial support through creative arts, showcasing how SEF partners are creating meaningful, future-focused opportunities for youth.
The Social Employment Fund (SEF), part of the Presidential Employment Stimulus and managed by the Industrial Development Cooperation(IDC), is one of the Catch-Up Coalition’s projects. Through SEF, The Learning Trust supports over 60 partners implementing youth skills development and after-school programmes such as academic enrichment programmes, literacy and numeracy interventions, sport and recreational activities, arts and culture and life skills programmes. Other support programmes include feeding schemes, food gardens, and community cleaning —creating a holistic support ecosystem for learners and youth. participants’ reflections.
In Other News…
The Learning Trust Receives 2024 Wish Tree Donations from Doppio Zero!
The Learning Trust was honoured to receive a R100,000 and stationery supplies through Doppio Zero’s annual Wish Tree campaign. Donations were distributed to 11 grantee partners across Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape, collectively reaching 5,663 learners, many from households where school supplies are scarce.
“Your support helps us empower young minds with the tools they need to learn, dream big, and access equal opportunities,” says Judith Phiri from PND Centre.
We’re deeply grateful for this partnership with Doppio Zero, which continues to bridge the resource gap in under-resourced communities and support equitable education.
IDC Visits SEF Partners on the Ground
This quarter, The TLT team along with some of our grantee partners hosted the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for a series of site visits as part of the SEF project in Gauteng. The visits offered IDC a firsthand look at the impact of the project—engaging with participants, witnessing skills development in action, and hearing powerful stories of change.
Awarenet Empowers Learners with Robotics and Coding!
Our SEF IP in the Eastern Cape, Awarenet is sparking STEM curiosity at Joza Youth Hub’s Open Labs. Every Friday, high school learners dive into Robotics, Coding, and OLICO Maths—assembling LEGO Mindstorms and soon programming them to move. The growing turnout shows how accessible tech education can transform learning in under-resourced communities. Read more about Awarenet’s work here.
In case you missed it
Impact Evaluation report
Our latest Evaluation Report (2018–2022), conducted by Impact Consulting, reveals that funding alone isn’t enough. Organisational development, collaboration, and strategic capacity support are key to sustainable growth. Discover how The Learning Trust’s unique approach is strengthening ASPs across South Africa. Read it here.
The Learning Trust introduced the Quality Assessment Toolkit (QAT) – a user-friendly, assessment tool designed to help ASPs evaluate their effectiveness, identify growth areas, and implement meaningful improvements.
Learn more about QAT here.
TLT Updates
Our team is growing. Welcome Nompumezo Makinana and Nokubonga Gumbi!
Nompumezo is The Learning Trust’s Programme Officer in the Eastern Cape. With over a decade of experience in community development and an honours degree in Anthropology from Rhodes University, she champions youth empowerment and education. She supports TLT grantees through tailored organisational development and capacity-building, creating spaces where young people and communities can thrive.
Nokubonga is The Learning Trust’s TaRL Project Coordinator and a passionate leader in youth and community development. With over a decade of experience supporting young people in KwaZulu-Natal—including impactful work at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator—she’s supported over 100,000 young people. Noku is driven by equity, inclusion, and a deep commitment to youth empowerment.
Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendar for Exciting Upcoming Events!
- Two- part Practitioner Masterclass hosted by Camp Sizanani Life Skills (CSLS) on 26 & 2 June at 11 am – 1pm. Register here.
- 4-Day After School Basics Training for Practitioners in Western Cape: Get ready for an immersive experience from 2-5 June 2025 at Community Chest Western Cape 82 Bree Street, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town.
- Community of Practice (CoP) on Quality Assessment for After School Programmes.
Don’t miss out—sign up for our newsletters and stay updated with all our upcoming events and more!
The Learning Trust Team
#AfterSchoolWorks #ReadyToAmplify
