Latest News

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

Beyond the Classroom Quarterly Newsletter

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2024! We’re excited to kick off the year by recapping the highlights of the first quarter and sharing our latest updates with you. The Learning Trust has had an incredible start to the year, from hosting a successful Amplify After School Symposium to launching our position paper on the Social Employment Fund (SEF) and its impact on leveraging public employment programmes. Read on to learn more about our recent activities!

Announcing Charlene Petersen Voss as the New Executive Director of The Learning Trust

We are delighted to introduce Charlene Petersen Voss as the new Executive Director of The Learning Trust (TLT), effective from 1 September 2024. Charlene brings an impressive track record in leading TLT’s special projects and a proven commitment to our mission, making her the ideal choice to guide our organisation into the future. Since joining … Read more

Just Grace NPC’s Impact Through the Social Employment Fund

Youth Month is a significant time in South Africa, dedicated to recognising and celebrating the potential, achievements, and contributions of the youth. In this blog, we highlight Just Grace NPC’s participation in the Social Employment Fund (SEF) project and its success in empowering young people in under-resourced communities. With a focus on academic support, skills … Read more

Elevating Youth Employment through the Social Employment Fund  

June celebrated as Youth Month in South Africa, is a period dedicated to commemorating historical struggles, promoting educational reforms, empowering youth, and advocating for educational equity. This month is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to ensure that every young South African has access to quality education and employment opportunities.  As we reflect on the … Read more

Transforming Lives Through SEF 

“ASPs can better prepare young people for the job market by offering relevant hands-on experience that equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen careers.” – Zanele Tshem, Ikamva Youth SEF participant. The Learning Trust proudly presents a special blog series dedicated to celebrating the remarkable journeys of young individuals … Read more

Beyond the Classroom Quarterly Newsletter

Welcome to our first newsletter of 2024! We’re excited to kick off the year by recapping the highlights of the first quarter and sharing our latest updates with you. The Learning Trust has had an incredible start to the year, from hosting a successful Amplify After School Symposium to launching our position paper on the Social Employment Fund (SEF) and its impact on leveraging public employment programmes. Read on to learn more about our recent activities!