Cultural Affairs and Sport
Hon Walters.
In relation to expansion of the Mass Participation, Opportunity and Access, Development and Growth Programme (MOD Programme):
- How this expansion will be implemented in 2025/26, especially in rural and under-resourced communities, and (b) what outcomes does his Department expect from this investment?
8 (a) Implementation of the MOD Programme Expansion in 2025/26
In the 2025/26 financial year, the Department will expand the reach of the MOD Programme by absorbing the neighbouring school programme, increasing access from 181 to 315 school sites across the province. This approach ensures that more learners, especially in rural and under-resourced communities, benefit from structured, after-school activities without the need to create entirely new centres.
8.(b) Expected Outcomes from the Investment
The Department expects several outcomes from this approach:
- Greater access to safe, structured after-school programmes in more communities, without the cost of duplicating services.
- Better use of resources, with resources serving multiple schools in a coordinated way, supported by new service-level agreements.
- Youth empowerment, as more learners benefit from sports, arts, life skills, and mentorship—reducing their exposure to negative influences.
- Job creation, with coaches employed and trained to deliver high-impact programmes.
- Improved school attendance and performance, particularly in rural areas where recreational and development opportunities are limited.
This strategy allows us to expand the footprint of the MOD Programme quickly and efficiently, ensuring more learners are reached, while strengthening community safety, wellbeing, and opportunity through a cost-effective, inclusive model.
