MOD Programme
The Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth (MOD) Programme is an after-school, mass participation programme that provides school-going youth with access to various fun-filled, play-based and modified activities in recreation and sport, as well as in arts and culture, on a daily basis.
This programme is hosted across the Province, at MOD Centres that are based at either a Primary School or a High School. Generally, Primary School-based MOD Centres act as the feeder to their neighbouring High School-based MOD Centres. In this way, the learner is presented with the opportunity to have continuous access and exposure to opportunities offered by the MOD Programme, for a period of at least 12 years.
Through various talent identification and talent development processes, the participants that display the potential for further development have the opportunity to advance their skills and talents to another level. It can be said that participation in the MOD Programme presents school-going youth with the opportunity to be part of a talent pool, especially with regard to the arts and sport, as it creates a springboard for the youth to access next-level participation and opportunities, with these types of opportunities being offered via School Sport, through its various initiatives, projects and programmes.
The programme is central to the vision of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), namely, to create a socially inclusive, creative and active Western Cape. There are currently 181 MOD Centres across the province that provide sport and recreational activities to over 40 000 registered participants from disadvantaged communities and underserved schools. MOD has expanded significantly since its introduction in 2010 and now provides employment and skills development to almost 700 community workers across the province.
DCAS offers various activities to youth through its After School Programme. We encourage learners, parents and other significant role players to invest in this holistic environment to create better opportunities for communities. Read more about the Neighbourhood Schools, After School Game Changer and Year Beyond.
FAQs
What is a MOD Centre?
• A MOD Centre is a hub for sport, recreation, arts and culture activities for learners in a community.
• Centres are usually located in one of the schools in a community and serve the community as a whole.
• MOD Centres provide a structured sport, recreation, arts and culture development curriculum for learners.
• MOD Centres are organised and run by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
When are these programmes run?
MOD Centre activities take place after school, usually between 14:00 and 18:00.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for participating in the activities of a MOD Centre
Is there a MOD Centre near me?
What sort of activities do MOD Centres offer?
MOD Centres currently offer eight sporting codes as well as arts, dance and music activities. Contact your local MOD Centre to find out what it offers.
If I attend a school that does not have its own MOD centre, what do I do?
Any learner living in a community where a MOD Centre operates is welcome to participate in its activities.
Does the MOD Programme run during the school holidays?
Yes, there is a holiday programme available at most MOD Centres.
Do I have to play the code on offer at a MOD Centre to participate?
Not necessarily. If you don’t already play a sport, you can participate in a modified version of the game.
What are the benefits of MOD Centres?
- They complement the educational activities of schools by providing children with opportunities to develop their skills and interests after school.
- By supporting the holistic development of children through recreation and sport, MOD Centres contribute to the human and social development of the communities in which they are located.
- By engaging children in sport and recreational activities, MOD Centres help to increase the number of children joining local sport and recreation clubs and federations.
- MOD Centres assist learners to develop life skills and a healthy lifestyle.
- MOD Centres offer learners a safe place to “hang out”.
- MOD Centres assist in the identification of talented learners who may be selected for high-performance training at Sharp Centres. The most promising learners may go on to be offered a place at the Western Cape Sport School and the Dance Focus School. Sharp Centres focus on sporting and arts and culture excellence and youth development. Outstanding performers may go on to develop careers in the sport, arts and culture fields.
- MOD Centres offer employment opportunities for coaches, coordinators and administrators.