Ushering in the Era of Lights On After School Month: A Revolutionary Movement for South Africa’s Youth

October is “Lights On After School Month” in South Africa, a campaign aimed at promoting After School Programmes (ASPs) for the nation’s youth. The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is leading the charge, encouraging everyone to participate and support the initiative. ASPs provide young learners with chances to expand their horizons, unleash their potential, and access high-quality extended education enrichment opportunities. The campaign aims to recognize the vital role ASPs play in fostering the potential of young minds and transforming communities.

In a bold effort to uplift the nation’s youth, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) has enthusiastically proclaimed October as “Lights On After School Month.” This creative campaign, inspired by the Afterschool Alliance in the United States, seeks to promote global awareness about the crucial role After School Programmes (ASPs) hold in fostering the potential of young minds and transforming communities.

Since its establishment in October 2000, the yearly Lights On After School campaign has persistently emphasized the importance of ASPs. These initiatives act as vital platforms for learners, offering them chances to expand their horizons and unleash their potential, while ensuring they have access to high-quality extended education enrichment opportunities.

As we set forth on this revolutionary path, the theme for 2023, ‘Rally for After School Programmes,’ highlights the incredible influence ASPs have on South African communities, particularly in the Western Cape province. In the past four years, the campaign has teamed up with The Learning Trust and Community Chest of the Western Cape, who have been essential coordinators in South Africa.

A Call for Support and Participation in After School Programmes

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, has issued a call to arms, inviting everyone to partake in this honorable endeavor and demonstrate their support for After School Programmes during October. To engage in this movement, individuals can volunteer their time, abilities, or donations to back these initiatives, share stories of their remarkable impact, and illuminate social media with the Lights On Light Bulb profile picture on 26 October, recognized as Lights On Day. Moreover, individuals can convey their gratitude to an After School Practitioner for the role they have played in their lives, both past and present.

Minister Marais also encourages mayors, political leaders, businesses, and organizations to publicly support After School Programmes and recognize the essential role they fulfill in the comprehensive development of learners. The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport leads the charge in creating opportunities for youth and children in the Western Cape, with a steadfast dedication to bridging the opportunity gap and providing a variety of initiatives to foster the growth and development of young minds.

Innovative Programmes and Initiatives for Youth Development

One such project is the MOD Programme (Mass Participation; Opportunity and Access; Development and Growth), which grants school-going youth access to a diverse array of engaging, play-based, and adapted activities in recreation, sport, arts, and culture daily, after school, at 181 schools across the province. The Neighbourhood School Programme further extends these chances to an extra 146 schools neighboring the MOD Centres.

Another flagship initiative in this movement is the Youth in Service programme, YearBeyond. This programme motivates young people aged 18 to 25 to provide a varied range of quality, safe after-school activities and programmes at schools, libraries, and community centers.

Acknowledging the immense influence of arts and culture on the growth of children and youth, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport also invests in the arts and culture sector as an integral part of its holistic strategy. As Minister Marais proclaims, “I invite everyone to unite and support After School Programmes and be part of this revolutionary movement during October as Lights On After School Month. Let us come together to ensure every child has the opportunity to shine and achieve their full potential.”

Throughout October, communities within the Western Cape and beyond will join forces to commemorate Lights On After School Month, signifying a critical milestone in the history of South Africa’s youth. By advocating for After School Programmes, we lay the foundation for a brighter future – one where every child possesses the necessary resources and opportunities to unleash their potential and contribute to the growth and development of their communities.

1. What is “Lights On After School Month” in South Africa?

“Lights On After School Month” is a campaign aimed at promoting After School Programmes (ASPs) for the nation’s youth in South Africa. It is celebrated annually in October.

2. What is the objective of the campaign?

The campaign aims to recognize the vital role ASPs play in fostering the potential of young minds and transforming communities. It seeks to promote global awareness about the crucial role After School Programmes (ASPs) hold in fostering the potential of young minds and transforming communities.

3. Who is leading the charge for this campaign?

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport is leading the charge for this campaign.

4. What are After School Programmes (ASPs)?

After School Programmes (ASPs) provide young learners with chances to expand their horizons, unleash their potential, and access high-quality extended education enrichment opportunities.

5. How can individuals participate in the campaign?

Individuals can volunteer their time, abilities, or donations to back these initiatives, share stories of the remarkable impact of ASPs, and illuminate social media with the Lights On Light Bulb profile picture on 26 October, recognized as Lights On Day. They can also convey their gratitude to an After School Practitioner for the role they have played in their lives.

6. Who can publicly support After School Programmes?

Mayors, political leaders, businesses, and organizations can publicly support After School Programmes and recognize the essential role they fulfill in the comprehensive development of learners.

7. What are some flagship initiatives for youth development?

The MOD Programme (Mass Participation; Opportunity and Access; Development and Growth) and the Youth in Service programme YearBeyond are some flagship initiatives for youth development in South Africa.

8. What is the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s strategy for youth development?

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport invests in the arts and culture sector as an integral part of its holistic strategy for youth development.