Lala’s Aftercare changes children’s futures

Duduza – Lala’s Aftercare offers structured activities for children of all ages, typically happening on school days after regular school hours.

Lala’s Aftercare is a programme based in Masichaba founded by Lala Sekabate (28) and Sithembele Tsotetsi (29) in 2022.

It aims to empower children from Grades R to 11 through educational support, skills development and extramural activities.

They said they offer homework assistance that reduces battles at home. The aftercare programme helps improve the children’s social skills and reduces the chances of older children engaging in risky behaviour.

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Sekabate said children need to be kept active and her passion for teaching enables her to do that.

“When I started this programme, I only had one learner, but that did not demotivate me in any way. I had a purpose for this programme, and giving up at that point was not an option.

“I am today an aftercare educator of 54 learners. I have successfully and positively changed my learners’ overview towards school and their school work.

“When some of our learners joined the programme, they were unable to read, had social anxiety, and many battled with challenges they carry from home.

“Being an aftercare educator has taught me to focus on school work and offer further help to the children whenever they face problems outside school.

“It is not an easy role, but it is beautiful to witness children find comfort in me,” said Sekabate.

Tsotetsi said they have big plans for the programme and want to equip their learners with enough skills to use computers and other technological gadgets.

“Our vision is to couple the aftercare with additional knowledge in coding. The aftercare’s primary vision is to assist with school work, but we also want to teach these learners things they do not learn at school.

“We have been doing well; we are producing stars every term. Some of our learners are part of their school’s top 10, some are excellent readers and storytellers, and we ensure to cater for every learner’s needs, added Tsotetsi.

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Sekabate said the programme also holds other activities.

“We host game nights and excursions and try to bring fun into the classrooms. We roleplay, sing and ensure learners help each other where possible. We want to see our programme grow bigger,” she added.

The founders appeal to the public for support and donations.

“We are not looking for monetary donations, but donations such as books, food parcels, stationery, pads, shoes, and computers would be an asset to our programme.

“We bear in mind that our learners come from all walks of life. Some can afford and some cannot. We know our learners but ensure to treat them equally,” said Tsotetsi.