PYMA
A daily afterschool home in Soweto, Johannesburg, where children get tutoring, a hot meal, and somewhere safe to be after the school bell rings.
See how you can help↓
WHAT PYMA DOES
School Ends at 2pm. PYMA Is Where the Day Keeps Going.
PYMA was founded in 2014 in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. It runs an Afterschool Programme offering tutoring, mentorship, and personal development for learners from Grade 1 through Grade 12, plus a Youth Readiness Programme that prepares young people for the transition from school to employment. It also supports early childhood development for children aged 0 to 6 by training caregivers and educators, and runs a Parental Engagement Programme that equips families to reinforce learning at home. Every afternoon at PYMA includes a combination of the following:
PYMA’s waiting list is long, the clearest sign of how much this programme is needed. Visit PYMA’s own website for more detail.
PYMA'S IMPACT
PYMA, in Numbers.
300
children supported through PYMA’s programmes
[X]
tutors and mentors supporting learners
93%
matric pass rate among PYMA learners
HOW CAN YOU HELP
Five Ways to Support PYMA
From Sponsoring a Tutor, to helping keep the afterschool programme running, or funding a sepcific intervention. Every contribution will keep PYMA supporting children in the community.
KEEP PYMA RUNNING
Keep the Afterschool Programme Going
Your choice
of amount
Give monthly or annually, in any amount.
This is the heart of PYMA: tutoring, meals, life skills, and a safe place, every school day. Your gift keeps it open for the children who depend on it.
Tutor Sponsorship
€20
/month
Fund one tutor’s mentoring and instruction for a month, the people who make the after-school programme run day to day. Annual Sponsorhips welcome.
You will receive: a quarterly report from your tutor, plus a tutor profile.
SUPPORT A SPECIFIC PART OF PYMA
Your choice
of amount
PYMA has enough classrooms for now; this keeps the ones they have properly equipped, stocked, and in good repair, rather than funding new construction.
Your choice
of amount
Funds the dedicated programme building girls’ confidence and skills in maths and science, subjects where they are often underrepresented.
A tangible gift
€1,000
= one full outing
A fixed, tangible gift, €1,000 funds one complete animal-care outing for 30 children: covering transport, entry, food, and the day itself.
Looking for a specific programme to support at PYMA that isn’t listed here? Email us; we’re glad to talk it through.
Questions about supporting PYMA
Specific to this Project
Why isn't there a per-child sponsorship option, like Bright Start?
PYMA works as a shared afterschool home rather than individual placements, the tutoring, meals and mentoring happen together in one room, for every child who comes through the door.
Supporting the programme itself is how that model is funded.
What happened to the classroom-building appeal I saw before?
PYMA now has enough classroom space to support 300 children. The ask today is to keep the classrooms they have properly equipped and maintained.
Is the vegetable garden or the new kitchen something I can donate toward?
Not through this page; the kitchen and vegetable garden are funded through a separate, dedicated grant. They are part of what PYMA does day-to-day, which is why you’ll see them above; however, please donate to the after-school programme, as this keeps the programme running.
Can I visit PYMA?
Yes, you can visit. Get in touch with our team and we will help arrange it.
If I sponsor a tutor, can I contact them directly?
As a Tutor Sponsor, you’ll receive a letter from your tutor as part of your quarterly update, introducing themselves and sharing how their work is going. You are welcome to forward us an email or letter to share with your tutor.
How do I pay?
You can give monthly, quarterly, annually, or once-off, whichever suits you and the option you have
chosen. Sponsorships and gifts run through our regular Donate form and can be paid by PayPal, credit card, bank transfer, or SEPA direct debit (Germany only).
What if my Tutor leaves PYMA
We will allocate you a new Tutor, this will not end your Tutor sponsorship.
Sthandiwe Shabangu’s journey
Sthandiwe Shabangu’s journey started when she joined PYMA’s Math and Science Programme for Girls, she was determined to pursue a career in healthcare. Throughout the year, she demonstrated unwavering commitment—attending sessions consistently and engaging fully in her learning. She was stayed active and committed to the programme.
Sthandiwe overcome the challenge of an overcrowded classroom with 50 learners and one teacher.
The programme’s personalised content and one-on-one facilitator support strengthened her grasp of complex concepts. She often struggled to understand her school teacher’s chemistry lessons, but the 4-day intervention prepared her to excel in her finals.
After receiving guidance on her application, she has been admitted to study Biochemistry at the University of Johannesburg.