The Learning Trust

Happy International Day of Play!

Play is often seen as a break from learning. In reality, it is one of the ways children learn best.

Through play, learners develop confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and social connections. These outcomes are foundational for learning, well-being and future opportunity.

This is why After School Programmes matter. They create spaces where children can explore, belong and grow in ways that complement and strengthen what happens in the classroom.

As we mark International Day of Play, let's recognise play not as an extra, but as an essential part of every child's development.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬–𝟯𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆?

That is the simple idea behind , a national movement led by YearBeyond to help build a stronger culture of reading across South Africa.

Reading habits are not developed in schools alone. They are nurtured in homes, after-school spaces, community hubs, workplaces, and everyday moments where children and young people are encouraged to read for enjoyment.

This is where After School Programmes (ASPs) play an important role.

Across communities, after-school spaces create opportunities for children and young people to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, spark imagination, and develop a lifelong love of reading through trusted relationships and consistent support.

The Learning Trust is proud to support and encourages our network of partners, practitioners, and after-school programmes to join the movement in ways that are meaningful for their communities.

Every Wednesday, take 20–30 minutes to pause and read.

Learn more about the movement and access resources, toolkits, and social media materials through YearBeyond: https://buff.ly/tfm5deh

🚨 Opportunity Alert | Training and Facilitation Short Course

If you work in the after-school or development sector and want to grow as a trainer and facilitator, this one is for you.

YeBo Academy, in collaboration with The Learning Trust and Nascee , is offering a three-day short course for development practitioners who want to lead learning experiences that create real change in communities.

The course covers facilitation techniques, group dynamics, experiential learning, and self-reflection for ongoing growth — practical skills for people doing real work on the ground.

If your organisation is a NASCEE member, you qualify for the 50% discount. Don’t miss this opportunity.

👉 Apply here: https://buff.ly/MOh067i

⏰ Applications close: 15 June 2026

The conversation about safeguarding often begins with policies and compliance requirements.

But safeguarding is ultimately about people, relationships and practice.

Our latest Learning Brief from the Western Cape Community of Practice (CoP) explores what safeguarding looks like inside after-school programmes and the realities practitioners face when supporting children.

Children are more likely to seek support when they feel connected to the adults around them. Trust cannot be built in a moment of crisis. It must be nurtured over time.

This brief offers practical reflections for organisations working to strengthen safeguarding within their programmes and communities.

Read the full Learning Brief. https://buff.ly/213BVPM

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐩𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐬!

Strong programmes need more than passion. They need systems that work.

Join our next Community of Practice, where we will explore practical digital tools that can help organisations save time, strengthen operations and focus more energy on delivering quality programmes for children and young people.

If you're looking for ways to work smarter, strengthen your organisation and connect with others in the sector, this session is for you.

📅 11 June 2026
📍 TechnoAfrika Academy, St Peter's Christian College, 2008 Dr Mandela Drive, Mhluzi, Middelburg, 1055

⚠️ Spaces are limited. RSVP by 7 June to secure your place. https://buff.ly/ZBHdB7a

We look forward to learning, sharing and growing together.

The internet can be a place for learning, creativity and connection.

It can also expose children to risks.

That is why digital safety is part of child protection.

Having open conversations about online behaviour, privacy and digital wellbeing can help children navigate online spaces more safely.

💬 What advice would you give a young person about staying safe online?

Explore The Learning Trust's Online Child Safety Guide: https://buff.ly/5TgHNDz

𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆.

It takes families, schools, community organisations, government and caring adults working together to create environments where children can thrive.

💬 How does your organisation, school or community contribute to supporting children?

Every child deserves someone who listens, encourages and believes in them.

For many young people, after-school practitioners, coaches and mentors become trusted adults who provide support, guidance and stability.

These relationships help children build confidence, navigate challenges and feel connected to the people around them.

💬 Who was a trusted adult in your life growing up?