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HR Manual – Strengthening the people behind ASPs

As part of our commitment to strengthening and professionalising the after-school sector, The Learning Trust has developed this HR Manual to support community-based organisations in building stronger people management practices. The manual is the culmination of a multi-year learning journey with Social Employment Fund (SEF) implementing partners within the Catch-up Coalition, shaped by the experiences, challenges and opportunities that emerged through working alongside organisations across diverse contexts.

After School Programmes Are South Africa’s untapped Solution

South Africa’s education system is faced with a myriad of challenges that negatively impact learning and employment outcomes. Studies such as the ThrivebyFive Index show that many learners start Grade 1 already far behind, with only 42% of our children in early learning settings are developmentally “on track”, which is one of the contributing factors to our … Read more

6th annual Lights On After School Movement highlights mentorship in fighting youth unemployment 

On 23 October, South Africa will join several countries around the world in marking the sixth annual Lights On After School (LOAS) campaign. Led locally by The Learning Trust in partnership with YearBeyond, the initiative shines a spotlight on the critical role After School Programmes (ASPs)play in shaping young lives, by reducing school dropout and creating pathways out of poverty … Read more

Strengthening the After School Sector: TLT Annual Report 2024

The Learning Trust is proud to share our 2024 Annual Report, a reflection of a three-year journey to strengthen South Africa’s extended learning sector. This year’s report highlights how After School Programmes (ASPs) continue to play a critical role in advancing education equity, reducing dropout rates and preparing young people for meaningful futures. From supporting … Read more

5 Key Lessons from The Learning Trust’s Impact Evaluation Report

Over the past five years, The Learning Trust (TLT) has worked to strengthen After School Programmes (ASPs) across South Africa, ensuring they have the resources, skills and support needed to sustain and scale. This impact report provides a deep dive into the outcomes of our funding and capacity-support model.

Introducing the After School Quality Standards and Quality Assessment Tool (QAT)

The Learning Trust is proud to introduce the After School Quality Standards and Quality Assessment Tool (QAT), a vital tool co-created with in-put from after-school programmes across South Africa to ensure every learner receives the best support possible. What are After School Quality Standards, and Why Do They Matter? The After School Quality Standards are a … Read more

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

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