After-school programs provide safe, supervised spaces for students. In addition to homework support, access to these spaces improves self-esteem and self-awareness, provides a sense of belonging, and enhances important life and socio-emotional skills.
Things to consider
Look for a space with regular access, chairs and tables, and good lighting. Look at who is around you in your community. This space might be in a community hall, church, library or even your own home.
The ideal after-school program space will have things like:
• Chairs and tables
• Good lighting
• Storage for resources
• Library corner
• Separate rooms for different subjects/grades
• Computer room
• Outside area for activities
• Kitchen
You don’t have to have all these things immediately! But any space you use must be safe for students to be in.
Tools to help
COVID-19
The pandemic resulted in a huge disruption to education plans for 2020. In order to recover lost learning time the Department of Basic Education has put together a 3 year recovery plan:
2022 school calendar
Curriculum recovery by grade
Guidelines for reopening ASPs
WHO answers questions about schools and COVID-19
Posters
Posters and art create a welcoming space for student to enter.
Holiday Clubs
Holiday clubs are a good way to get students into your space. Here are a list of tried and tested games.
Open source software
- GIMP: photo editing software
- Resolve: video editing software
- CANVA: online photo and editing with design templates
- OpenOffice: Office alternative
- Learn about Spreadsheets