The South Australian Government has unveiled a new $22 million plan aimed at helping primary school students spend less time on screens and more time discovering sport, music and creative activities.
If re-elected, the Malinauskas Labor Government says it will introduce a statewide program offering every public primary school student one full term of organised before- or after-school activities free of charge each year.
The initiative would allow schools to partner with external organisations to deliver a wide range of programs, including sport, arts and music sessions held directly on school grounds. The idea is to make extracurricular activities easier for families to access while also giving students the chance to try something new.
Schools will be able to tailor the activities to suit their students and communities, choosing programs based on local interest and available facilities.
The government says hosting activities at schools removes one of the biggest barriers families face when enrolling children in extracurricular programs – the logistics of travelling to multiple venues after school.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the plan builds on the government’s broader efforts to encourage healthier lifestyles among young people.
“This is an ambitious plan to support our young people and continue our work in getting kids off screens,” he said.
“Encouraging active lifestyles at a young age helps build lifelong habits that support good health and resilience.
“Active programs help children build friendships, develop teamwork skills and feel more connected to their school and community.”
Education Minister Blair Boyer said the program aims to ensure every child has the opportunity to discover activities they enjoy, regardless of their family’s circumstances.
“I want every public school child to find their passion from an early age. Whether it be sport, arts or music, setting them up early in life gives them the greatest chance to keep up their interest throughout their life,” he said.
“Not every family has access to sports, arts or outdoor activities. These opportunities ensure all kids can be active, regardless of their background.”
In addition to the school-based program, the government has also pledged $2 million to create a new Try.Play.Belong initiative. The scheme would run during school holidays and allow children aged three to 16 to attend free “come and try” sessions hosted by local sporting and recreation clubs.
The government says the program would provide working families with another activity option during school holidays while also helping community clubs recruit new participants.
The announcement also includes a $1 million commitment to expand access to the Student Volunteer Award Program for all SACE students across public and non-government schools. Delivered in partnership with Volunteering SA&NT, the program allows students to track their volunteer work and gain SACE credits in Year 11.
Together, the policies form part of the government’s wider “keeping kids off screens” initiative, which already includes free Year 7 school camps, expanded sports vouchers for 16- to 18-year-olds and a target of 150 minutes of active learning during the school week.
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