Children and young people in our community are at risk from hunger, gangs and educational challenges. Our Hluma afterschool programme provides a safe haven for children and youth aged 9 – 17, providing educational support, access to technology, a nutritious meal, as well as fun, games and extracurricular activities in a nurturing environment.
Hluma – meaning ‘prosper’ – was borne in response to the concerns about the developmental challenges to local children from poverty, violence and a hard-pressed educational system.
With our fundamental belief that everyone has value and potential, Hluma was the first programme NewDay United established in Khanyisa Church Hall.
From the outset Hluma has successfully got children off the streets in the gap between the end of school and their parents’ return from work – the time when young people are most vulnerable to the high levels of gang violence, rape and other physical attacks in the area.
Hluma has grown rapidly grew to provide a comprehensive range of educational, nutritional and psychosocial support to local children and families, and continues to be in high demand.
A safe space for kids at the time they're most vulnerable
A nutritious meal every weekday - for many the only meal they will receive that day
Psychosocial support to help children and families affected by violence, rape, drug abuse and other issues
Space and encouragement to focus quietly on completing homework
Reading room with a wide choice of books to sharpen reading skills and develop imaginations
1-2-1 tutoring in reading, comprehension and maths
Use of internet-connected computers for research and IT-related learning
Popular chess and art clubs to unleash creativity and develop young minds
Funded visits to educational and heritage sites to expand our kids' horizons
Hluma is already having a major impact on the local community – but there’s more we could do to grow this programme:
We want to tell you a heartwarming story of hard work. Meet precious *Elise who has been part of the Hluma Afterschool Programme since its inception in 2017 when she was a little girl and even then we could see her potential.
We love championing the champions and we are celebrating with Elise, now 14. Over the years and with the nurturing and support in Hluma, we have seen Elise flourish. As well as being part of the Amazon Competition Team, she proudly told us that she came in the top 8 in her year group at the end of the academic year in December and is aiming for the top 4 next year!
Not only is she excelling at school, but she has also made it into the Western Province Schools Chess team.
She is also one of the mentors at the Hluma Digital Hub where she assists other learners with coding, robotics, and the Astro-Pi Mission Zero.
We cheer you on Elise!
We are so proud of you!
*Name has been changed
