DUDUZA – Lala Sekabate (29) and Sithembele Tsotetsi (30) founded an aftercare programme in Duduza, Masichab, in 2022.
It is youth-owned and offers structured activities for children of all ages, typically on school days after regular school hours.
Sekabate described Youth Month as more than a calendar event, saying it is a reminder of the resilience, potential and responsibility we all share in shaping the next generation.
“As the founders of an aftercare, we are committed to making education more accessible, personal and meaningful for our children. Our mission goes beyond homework.
“It is about creating a safe, enriching space where young minds can flourish while maintaining our mission, Let’s make learning fun,” said Sekabate.
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The township-based programme serves working parents who need a trusted partner to help guide their children after school.It emphasises reading, comprehension, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and positive discipline.
“Every activity is designed with the child’s holistic development in mind. When I started this programme, I only had one learner, but that did not demotivate me. I had a purpose for this programme, and giving up at that point was not an option,” she added.
Currently, the aftercare program serves over 50 children and has improved learners’ perspectives on school and schoolwork.
She said that when some learners first joined the programme, many could not read, had social anxiety and battled with challenges they carried from home.
“The ripple effect of structured aftercare is powerful. Parents gain peace of mind, knowing their children are safe and supported.
“Learners develop confidence in their studies and improve their academic performance. Teachers often tell us how much more engaged and prepared our learners are in class. The greatest impact lies in shaping responsible, curious, and resilient young people; kids who have confidence in themselves.
“We also deeply understand the reality that many of our children are raised by grandparents, who, while loving and devoted, might be illiterate or unfamiliar with the school curriculum,” explained Sekabate.
“This is where we step in, not just as homework helpers, but as partners in bridging that generational and educational gap. We provide academic structure, emotional support and guidance that many caregivers can’t offer due to limitations beyond their control.”
She said their work has these challenges:• Limited educational resources (books, technology, stationery);
• No funding for programme expansion and transportation;
• Providing emotional support for learners facing trauma or unstable home lives;
• Parents needing guidance on how to support learning at home;
• The growing need for partnerships with schools, local businesses and community leaders to make aftercare more sustainable and impactful.
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Parents and caregivers play the biggest role in their child’s growth. Here are some simple but powerful ways to support them:• Reading is power: Read with your child for 15 minutes daily;
• Let them choose books that excite them;
• Ask questions while reading: Why do you think this happened? or What would you do?
• Create a study routine: Set a fixed time for homework daily. Avoid distractions like TV and phones during study time. Let them take short breaks every 30 minutes;
• Critical thinking activities: Play puzzle games and board games like sudoku, Scrabble, or chess. Encourage them to ask “why” and explore answers together. Ask open-ended questions at dinner like, “What would you change at school if you could?”
• Celebrate effort, not just results: Praise them for trying, not only when they win. Help them understand that making mistakes is part of learning.
• Encourage responsibility: Give them age-appropriate chores. Teach them to pack their school bag. Let them help in the kitchen and make simple decisions.
“We do not need a perfect system. We need people who care. Youth Month is the ideal time to recommit to nurturing the potential of our children.
“Whether you are a parent, teacher or community member, your small actions matter. Together, we can raise children who pass exams and ask bold questions, solve real problems and care for others,” she concluded.
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