Year Beyond Programme set for MOD centres

On Wednesday, 10 September 2014, Premier Helen Zille, together with DCAS Minister Nomafrench Mbombo and Debbie Schafer, Minister of Education, launched the Year Beyond Programme.

This after-school academic enrichment programme will be rolled out at the beginning of next year at selected schools with Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth (MOD) centres and will involve top matric and university graduates volunteering to assist primary and high school learners by providing tutoring and support in order to improve education outcomes in the province.

Set criteria will be used to ensure that volunteers who apply, will be able to tutor the learners, The volunteers will also be exposed to a range of opportunities including acquiring a leadership qualification and expanding their social and economic networks while making a real contribution towards improving the lives of underprivileged young people living in our communities.

At the launch, Premier Zille said that this programme will aim to improve results at schools. It will initially be piloted at a few schools and will then be expanded. “We hope that in five years’ time, we will be working through hundreds of applications from volunteers for this programme”, said Zille.