It’s hard to believe that the year is almost at the halfway mark. Yet, when we reflect on the past five months, it’s refreshing to see just how much the After School Game Changer team and our many partners and supporters have accomplished. Together, we are growing the after school movement in the Western Cape. Thank you for your part in providing academic, arts and culture, sport and recreation and life skills programmes in low-fee and no-fee schools across the Province. Check out our latest video here.
Even with the best capacity in place, there are challenges. High school learners are more difficult to retain in regular and consistent after school programmes. Learners, their families and teachers are often not aware of the advantages of after school programmes and therefore don’t provide enough support to initiatives. In response to these and other challenges, along with the Community Chest, we announced the launch of the Innovation Fund in December last year, and called for proposals for grants up to R200 000. This funding is provided to seed new ideas in the extended education sector. Read about the four successful projects that received funding from the first call.
On 16 May, our first Community of Practice (CoP) for the year took place at Philippi Village and focused on creating an organisational environment that supports and nourishes staff and learner wellness. With over 100 attendees representing more than 50 organisations, it was gratifying to see how this network of local and provincial government and NGOs working in the after school sector is growing. Please note that the next CoP will take place on 20 June. If you haven't joined the mailing list yet, please contact info@learningtrust.org. We hope to see you there!
Likewise, if you have not done so yet, please do sign up to Educollaborate to be informed of these and other opportunities.If you're not sure how to sign up, we've included a link to a handy explainer in the box below.
14 MAY 2018: At the launch of two new skateboard parks in Atlantis.
Novelty pays
Learn more about the Western Cape After School Innovation Fundand the four organisations awarded grants for their projects in the first round. The second round closes today, 1st June 2018.
Training update
We've taken training up a notch this year – click here to read more about our current programmes helping to build capacity in the sector. Also, remember to apply for the ASP Basics Training Programme!
New tool to aid learning
In partnership with The Learning Trust, we've developed a tool to help NGOs to review and strengthen best practice in after school programmes. Download the tool and find out how it can help you.
