- An after-school programme initiated by SEEDS Trust in Imizamo Yethu is revolutionising children’s education by taking learning outside traditional classrooms.
- The initiative offers hands-on, nature-based learning experiences, helping children develop skills while fostering community pride.
- Volunteers are essential to its success, and the programme aims to expand further with local support.
In Imizamo Yethu, an after-school programme is reshaping how children learn by turning nature itself into a classroom.
Started earlier this year by SEEDS Trust, this initiative aims to help local children thrive by moving beyond the constraints of traditional schooling.
The programme, which operates daily from 12:00 to 18:00, offers a refreshing alternative for children used to crowded classrooms, giving them a chance to learn in the open spaces of Hout Bay’s lush natural surroundings.
“We wanted to use the time we have with the (learners) to enrich their lives with alternative learning methods, all while letting them have fun,” says Sara Clarke, founder of the aftercare. “These children naturally want to explore, roam, and discover, and our programme taps into that.”
The philosophy behind SEEDS Trust’s approach is simple yet profound: let children learn while being immersed in nature.
Hands on learning
By shifting the classroom outdoors, SEEDS Trust aims to foster curiosity and resilience, providing the space for learners to learn hands on and through play.
“Children in South Africa struggle with reading as early as Grade 4,” Clarke explains. “We believe that engaging them differently can help bridge this gap, giving them and their families skills to pass on through generations.”
Every day, the children enjoy a balanced meal to nourish their bodies and energise their minds. After a meal, they participate in structured, theme-based learning and supplementary activities. The approach blends academic support with emotional and social development.
Since the programme’s opening in May, the community has already begun to take notice. From food garden projects to clean-up days, the children are encouraged to give back, foster a deep sense of community pride and responsibility.
Although SEEDS Trust has received remarkable support from local sponsors, including donations of bean bags and outdoor learning equipment, the programme still faces gaps. Volunteers from Hout Bay and the Southern Suburbs are crucial to helping meet this need, whether through assisting with reading and homework or providing sports coaching and educational materials.
“Each bit of help goes a long way,” Clarke notes. “Just one hour a week makes a difference. We need more people to help kids one on one with reading and outdoor activities.”
Upskilling
SEEDS Trust envisions a sustainable, locally led programme that can eventually grow into multiple centres across the area. By upskilling local staff and embedding the programme within the community, SEEDS Trust hopes to create a model that other neighbourhoods can replicate. Plans are also underway to partner with local organisations, offering even greater opportunities for children and their families.
The team dreams of introducing the children to different parts of Cape Town, such as Newlands Forest and Kirstenbosch Gardens, to expand their appreciation for nature and its diversity. However, budget constraints mean that these excursions rely on sponsorships, as they’re not included in the R450 monthly fee that makes the programme accessible for families in Imizamo Yethu.
The success of SEEDS Trust’s programme depends on the continued involvement of the Hout Bay community and beyond.
Individuals, businesses and families are encouraged to contribute in various ways, whether by donating toys, books, sports equipment, or volunteering time to support the children’s education. There is also a specific need for supplies such as compost, garden seedlings, and rainwater containers for the food garden.
As Clarke concluded: “We are inviting everyone to come visit, see what we’re doing, and join us in this journey. Imagine a world where we take pride in nurturing our children and our environment. It’s time for a change, and it starts with each of us. One hour a month might change your life, but it will change our children’s lives even faster.”
