ARTICLE
THE NEED FOR SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES
School holiday programmes serve several important purposes
CONTINUED LEARNING
During school breaks, children can experience
learning loss. Holiday programmes help
maintain a level of academic engagement,
preventing regression and
allowing learners to continue building on their knowledge.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
These programmes often offer activities that go beyond traditional classroom learning, fostering the development of various skills such as teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Holiday programmes
provide a chance for
learners to explore
subjects or activities not
covered in their regular
curriculum. This
enrichment can ignite
new interests and
passions.
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Holidays can be isolating
for some children.
Participation in holiday
programmes allows them
to socialize, make friends,
and build positive
relationships outside the
school environment.
SAFETY AND SUPERVISION
For working parents,
school holiday programmes offer a secure and supervised environment for their children during the day. This helps ensure the well-
being of children who may otherwise be left without
adequate supervision.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Holiday programs often involve the community, bringing together learners, parents, and educators in
a collaborative effort to enhance the overalllearning experience.
PREVENTION OF REGRESSION
Learners can experience a
loss of skills and knowledge during extended breaks. Holiday programmes aim to prevent this regression by providing opportunities for consistent, structured learning.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Many holiday programmes
include sports and physical activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among children.
Khulisa utilises six methodologies and approaches to achieve these goals
- Appreciative Inquiry
- Dialogue Circles
- Journaling
- Speaking
- Role Playing
- Storytelling
The methods share a similar:
OBJECTIVE
Create a safe environment
and opportunity to share
thoughts, feelings, and
experiences with regards to
various topics, and foster
inclusion and a sense of
belonging for all participants,
regardless of cultural
backgrounds and life
experiences.
AIM
Identify and understand
the multi-level factors
contributing to issues,
concerns, and challenges
that inhibits positivity
living, self-improvement,
and healing.
PURPOSE
Promote unity in in
problem-solving and a way
forward, developing and
building life skills, assisting
with the healing process,
and appreciating and
embracing the good
aspects of life.
The objectives, aims, and purposes of the methods allow children and youth to engage with various topics, creating an opportunity for development and growth on an individual, relationship, community, and societal level.
About us
Khulisa Social Solutions is a non-profit company that helps vulnerable children, youth, and communities unlock their potential and develop skills toward a sustainable future.
It operates nationally, employs approximately 200 staff through 19 offices, and works in approximately 150 communities in collaboration with 350 NGO partners, impacting the lives of close to 200,000 people per annum.
Khulisa partners with national and local government departments, schools, correctional facilities, community leaders, corporates, thought leaders, academic institutions, and private companies. Khulisa’s internationally acclaimed and locally rewarded best practice programmes deliver positive and measurable impact with the main focus on youth and community development.
For more information, contact
Lesley Ann Van Selm | 082 601 2299 | lesleyann@khulisa.org.za | media@khulisa.org.za
