Diepsloot –Yesterday, Diepsloot joined the world in celebrating the 6th annual Lights On After School (LOAS) campaign, which spotlights the power of mentorship and after-school programmes in supporting learners and combating youth unemployment.
Led locally by The Learning Trust in partnership with YearBeyond, the campaign ran under the theme “Investing in Brighter Futures.” It highlighted how after-school programmes in Diepsloot help children stay in school, improve literacy, develop life skills, and build confidence.
Many learners in low-income community’s face challenges such as high dropout rates and limited academic support. After-school mentors including tutors, coding instructors, and sports or arts coaches — act as “hidden educators,” guiding young people through school and life.
“Mentors bridge the gap between school and the real world, opening doors to opportunities and networks many learners wouldn’t access otherwise,” said Charlene Petersen Voss, Executive Director at The Learning Trust.
In South Africa, where youth unemployment is around 45.5%, mentorship is proving essential. A study by the National Mentorship Movement found that after one year, unemployment among mentees dropped from 73% to 19%, with 71% securing jobs in their chosen field.
Through YearBeyond, young people are trained as mentors in schools and after-school centres. Over 90% of educators report improved learner confidence, while 86% observe better literacy outcomes.
One success story is Alexis Booysen, a 20-year-old YeBoneer from Bonteheuwel, teaching coding to learners in Diepsloot. Her team, Screen Machines, recently represented South Africa at the Coding World Cup. Alexis says, “Watching learners grow in confidence and form friendships is the most rewarding part of this journey.”
The Lights On After School campaign shows that mentorship in Diepsloot is more than academic support — it’s about hope, opportunity, and brighter futures for the community’s youth.