After-School Programs Fight Youth Unemployment Crisis

South Africa Celebrates the Power of After-School Programmes

South Africa marked a significant milestone on October 23, 2025, with the sixth annual Lights On After School (LOAS) campaign. This global movement spotlights the transformative role of after-school programmes in shaping the nation’s youth. These initiatives are far more than academic catch-up sessions; they are vital community hubs closing learning gaps and providing essential mentorship.

The campaign, led locally by The Learning Trust in partnership with YearBeyond, underscores how these programmes reduce school dropout rates and create pathways out of poverty. In a nation grappling with literacy challenges and a youth unemployment rate of 45.5%, after-school programmes offer a critical lifeline. They serve learners in low-fee schools, offering a holistic range of services from tutoring to psychosocial support.

Investing in Brighter Futures

Under the theme “Investing in Brighter Futures,” the digital campaign was officially launched by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde. He emphasized the broader societal impact of these initiatives. “From the time a child enters the education system and eventually joins the job market, it is our job to give them the best possible chance in life,” Winde stated. The theme also celebrates the “hidden educators”—the mentors who form the backbone of these programmes.

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Charlene Petersen Voss, Executive Director at The Learning Trust, highlighted the mentors’ unique role. “Mentors are often the missing link between what is taught in school and what’s needed to navigate the real world,” she explained. This human connection is a cornerstone of successful after-school programmes, providing support systems that many learners lack at home.

The Human Connection That Drives Success

The impact of dedicated mentorship is profound. Evidence from organizations like Ikamvayouth shows that mentor-driven after-school programmes consistently achieve matric pass rates around 85% for learners in under-resourced schools. This figure significantly surpasses the national average. A study by the National Mentorship Movement found that unemployment among mentees dropped from 73% to 19% after just one year, with 71% securing jobs in their chosen fields.

Many mentors are young people themselves, offering relatable peer guidance. Programmes like YearBeyond harness this power by placing young South Africans as mentors in schools. Over 90% of educators in this programme report enhanced learner self-esteem, and 86% witness improved literacy outcomes. Wayde Groep, Communications and Advocacy Manager at YearBeyond, noted, “Mentors show learners that success is within reach, especially when they come from the same communities.”

Alexis Booysen, a 20-year-old mentor, teaches coding to learners in Cape Town. Her team recently represented South Africa in the Coding World Cup. “Watching my learners grow in confidence and form meaningful friendships has been the most rewarding part of this journey,” Alexis shared. Her story exemplifies how these community-based after-school programmes build both skills and resilience.

To learn more about the Lights On After School campaign and how to support local mentorship initiatives, visit www.thelearningtrust.org.