The Benefits of Participating in After School Activities

After school is a critical period in the life of many young school-going pupils. Efforts to promote after school activities have been well met in most schools because it brings forth many positive results.

Many pupils spend a full day at school and often find themselves coming home exhausted. However, many still have extra energy left to go out and participate in after school extra curricular activities. Depending on your preference and interests, as well as your parents financial capabilities, these activities can include a lot of things like dancing, swimming, piano and guitar lessons. Karate and baking are among the most common after school activities, whereas basketball, soccer, gym workouts, school clubs and community service activities are popular among more mature pupils.

So the question might be: are these activities necessary? Is a full day of learning at school not enough? Do pupils have to make the effort to participate in these diversions?

Unlike younger children, older pupils need more time to be occupied and coming home from school does not provide that. Some pupils would be contented simply laying on the couch snacking or taking a nap after school but is that really the best they can do with their free time? Lots of pupils prefer to spend their free time socialising and there are those too, who tend to get easily bored.

They have the tendency to get into all kinds of trouble. So after school activities can really help keep them occupied with positive pursuits.

They serve as a break from the school environment and allow pupils to unwind and do something different after school. Occupying their minds with something that is fun and interesting to do is a welcome diversion as it can be a good time to get in touch with friends.

“As far as financial circumstances and other considerations would allow, it is recommended that parents send their children to various extra curricular activities where possible.

This will greatly aid in their children’s physical, emotional, social, and personal development, widen their horizons, and provide them with opportunities to know themselves better,” says Lenie Indongo, a teacher from Highline Secondary School.

“I play tennis and go swimming after school. I like it very much because I’m getting very good at it. I get to catch up with my friends and we share tips on how to get better. Some of my friends like to stay away from extra activities because they do not know the importance of it.

“They just hang around in the streets and get into trouble,” said Amcee Gowases, a Grade 10 pupil from Academia Secondary school.

Here is a list of benefits drawn up by The Youthpaper that one can enjoy just by attending after school activities.

Safe and Secure Environment

After school activities are done in a supervised environment. There are tutors who are there to guide pupils with their activities as well as help them with behavioural problems and attitudes.

Most of the youngsters who are in an after school environment are protected from violence and harassment which are way too common among children who are left alone at home or left without proper supervision. Most children come to enjoy their after school activities due to the fact that it is a totally fun filled environment without the stress of having to prove themselves.

Increased Social Skills

After school activities are not just enjoyable but they also improve children’s social skills due to the increased interaction between pupils of various age groups. The atmosphere is free and entertaining.

Pupils who are enrolled in after school activities are also safe from undesirable friendships outside of their school, which more often take place after school hours as their free time is unmonitored and they are free to get up to mischief.

Increased Physical Activity

Physical activity plays a great role in keeping pupils healthy and energetic. They say a healthy body breeds a healthy mind. Apart from the health benefits, participating in physical activities also allows young people an outlet for some of their excess energy. Fitness related activities help youngsters get a good night’s sleep and to remain active throughout the day.

Who knows, an after school sports activity can entirely change your life if you are talented in a particular sport.

Enrolling in an after school activity can even help you develop creative skills and based on your interests, you can chose from a wide range of activities in art, sports, music, dance and even academic pursuits like debating, which can enhance memory, reasoning skills and brain development.

Sense of Discipline and Direction

After school activities are a way to discipline your life or set the atmosphere for self discipline. You learn to put your free time to good use.

Even if the activity does not particularly appeal to or interest you that much, rest assured that when you grow up, the influence and enrichment you received from taking part in these activities with remain with you and be of benefit to your life. You will be able to guide your own children one day, as a good parent who understands the value of after school activities, who can help your children develop into better individuals.

Instilling Values In Life

An after school activity instils certain core values in your life. You learn the importance of helping others and also how you can make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

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