Primary school learners find much-needed support
The organisation has been running for three years with two volunteers
“After school” is a phrase that could bring fear to many children, especially in primary level as it is mostly associated with negative-impacting actions like bullying.
Usually the phrase means after school its a fight, but not according to Alice Maubane, founder of After School is After School Non-government Organisation, which helps primary level learners to fight for their education in the right way.
The organisation has been running for three years with two volunteers. It caters to primary level children every Monday and Thursday from after school until 5pm.
Maubane said the organisation was formed based on her past experiences, where she suffered from depression at the age of 12.
“After I recovered from my depression, I saw an opportunity to reach out to others and help them prosper through their shyness, lack of knowledge and inability to read and write.
“As I grew up, I was shy and always separate from other people. I had low self-esteem. I had to learn how to speak about problems and reach out to others. By so doing, I grew confidence and grew strong in public participation and engaging with other people.”
Maubane added that she thought many children could be going through issues similar to hers and, unfortunately, there might be no one to help.
“I then thought if I there was someone to step in and help one child at a time, that person should be me. I convinced my self that I could do it and never stopped since.
“Helping the children has shed some light on my life. It widened my eyes to see that there is more to life than what meets the eye.”
The after-school programme helps children with their homework, assignments, school projects and any school-related work.
“I am currently working with social workers from Central Gauteng Mental Health Society Lebogang Mashatola and Nomvula Sibiya. They educate the children on mental health issues, how to manage time and build their confidence.
“They also intervene in dealing with issues that affect them directly, either from school or at home, and they offer them counselling and motivation,” added Maubane.
Tyrese Zitha, a volunteer at the organisation, said they focus on subjects like English, mathematics and social sciences, and they educate the children about hygiene.
“On some Saturdays they attend computer skills sessions at the Ivory Park Fire Station. They learn about computer basics, like typing and how to solve mathematical equations,” said Zitha.
Maubane added they sometimes also offer sanitary pads and roll ons donated by community members to girls.
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