4th annual Lights On campaign celebrates the impact of after-school programs
"Through the resources of the schools festival, we teach children how to analyse text by using dramatic arts as a tool."
The 4th annual Lights On after school campaign returned in time for the commemorations of the International Lights On Afterschool campaign that took place on October 26.
The campaign shines a spotlight on the importance of after school programmes (ASPs) in supporting learners and educators and highlights organisations that work with learners in various after school programmes to nurture passions and talents.
The global campaign highlights the many ways that these programmes support learners by offering them opportunities to unearth innate talent and unlock their potential.
This year, one of the organisations, Khula Unqobe Creative Arts celebrated the day with a creative arts piece – showcasing a curated flash mob play at Protea Glen Primary School two.
The campaign was launched by the Afterschool Alliance (U.S. based) in October 2000 and is now spread in the country by The Learning Trust.
The programme offers a space for fun learning, bridge the gap and helps create a holistic approach to educational support outside of the classroom.
“The programme assists with continuous learning beyond the classroom. As we know many classrooms in township areas are overpopulated- that gives the child an advantage.
So through such initiatives the child doesn’t miss out and can get the support they couldn’t get in class. One of the thorns is the lack of extra mural activities- so we help in introducing creative arts and sports as professionals in the space.
And try to cultivate them and make sure their potential is guided and not wasted,” explains founder of Khula Unqobe Creative Arts, Khanyisile Masongwa.
The organisation is currently working with five ECD centres and one primary school in Protea Glen.
The NPO also participates in the Shakespeare School Festival South Africa, performing their text every year at the Joburg Theatre during the month of September.
The two productions which form part of the afterschool programme will also be showcased during an award ceremony to be held at the Soweto Theatre on November 18.
“Our work initiates a love for literature in children. Through the resources of the schools festival, we teach children how to analyse text by using dramatic arts as a tool.
“We give them skills they can use in their language subjects at school to better understand the text of the subjects. They obtain literature skills and performing skills.”
Asiphe Mishiyi, Grants Coordinator at The Learning Trust said, “Lights On After School is a day to show the world that after school is not just after school, it’s a safe learning environment where future experts, world leaders and world renowned artists are trained. On this day we also celebrate the wonderful heroes who make it all possible.”
The Learning Trust offers grants and support to grass roots community-based NPOS that offer after school programmes.
They also do advocacy work in collaboration with partner organisations to raise awareness about the Importance of ASPs that serve young people in underserved communities.
“We are thrilled to be part of the amazing work done by these organisations.
“This is a global vision and the campaign which is not only an event but this is to laud their dedication and commitment to closing the opportunity gap and nurturing talents of young ones,” concluded Mishiyi.
