How Thanda’s After-school Programmes Prepare Children to Thrive
Thanda’s After-school Programmes began in 2008. Back then we offered basic homework assistance and a nutritious meal, but we quickly realized that this simply wasn’t enough. If we were to effect meaningful and systemic change – we needed a new plan.
A Broken Education System
When looking at the myriad of issues that plague South Africa’s education system it is easy to see just how broken it is, and just how inadequately children are being prepared for a future ripe with opportunity. The statistics are staggering:
The conventional South African education system doesn’t look to the whole child, but rather, the focus is on the academic results which are proven to be lagging behind our global counterparts. Issues are compounded in rural areas where education is sub-par and even fewer learning opportunities exist. Furthermore, children in rural South Africa face torn social fabrics and unstable family structures that inhibit their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth—and leave them further and further behind.
Breaking the Cycle With Whole Child Development
Taking into account this educational climate, it was apparent that we need not only supplement academic learning outside of school; but ultimately create a culture of learning that would support children in their ability to heal and thrive.
Research shows that when children are given the opportunity to develop not only math and literacy skills but the social-emotional, physical, and cognitive skills necessary to communicate, think critically and creatively, and solve complex problems – we are equipping them for long-term success rather than short-term achievement. That’s where our creative learning curriculum, as a vehicle for whole child development, comes in!
Through the development of Thanda’s experiential Creative Learning Curriculum, we now have an After-school model that empowers children and youth with skills that are necessary for becoming resilient, lifelong learners. Youth who are capable of overcoming barriers and feel inspired to create a better world.
“I encourage Vuyani to go to Thanda because he learns things there he won’t get the chance to learn at school… they also get the opportunity to go out on excursions. They [Vuyani and his twin brother] always come home and tell me about the different animals they saw, whereas at school they don’t get that chance. Which means their knowledge grows through experiencing things they wouldn’t experience otherwise.”
– Nomusa Ngcobo, Vuyani’s grandmother and guardian
The Syazazi After-School programmes emphasize learning by doing, which develops communication, literacy, numeracy and science skills by engaging in real-world problem-solving. Emotional healing and personal growth take place through the development of game-changing life skills such as self-esteem, perspective, creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. As children participate over time, our aim is to develop leaders who can ultimately create the changes they want to see in their own lives and in their communities.
While we have made tremendous strides over the past decade in creating an environment where children learn, grow, and lead – there is still so much more we want to do.
Building Bright Futures Together
When people with a shared vision of change come together – anything is possible. We invite you to join us in breaking the cycle of a broken education system that leaves children in our community further and further behind by supporting rural youth in receiving holistic, creative learning — preparing them to learn, grow, and lead.
It costs $1 a day to provide year-long After School programming to one child. Students receive our creative project-based curricula and support from locally trained staff.
As we look to the future, we look to our youth and we look to you. Consider making a generous donation to support the class of 2030 to learn, grow and lead in their lives and in their communities this holiday season.
