SA AIA Launches the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) Toolkit Taskforce

SA AIA Launches the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) Toolkit Taskforce 

 The South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA) is thrilled to announce the official launch of the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC) Toolkit Taskforce, an exciting initiative dedicated to creating industry-leading resources for operators and venues within the LOTC, Adventure-Based Learning (ABL), and Outdoor Education sectors. 

This groundbreaking taskforce has been formed to address the critical need for improved safety, compliance, and best practices in these rapidly evolving industries. With collaboration at its core, the taskforce will bring together SA AIA members, industry professionals, and subject matter experts to create practical toolkits that support operators and venues in delivering safe, meaningful, and professional experiences. 

Why the LOTC Toolkit Taskforce? 

The outdoor education and LOTC sectors have long faced challenges related to safety, compliance, and standardization. The LOTC Toolkit Taskforce aims to bridge these gaps by offering: 

• Comprehensive, easy-to-use toolkits that guide operators and venues in meeting best practice standards. 

• Support for members through compliance assessments, including desktop reviews and physical site inspections. 

• An exclusive “SA AIA Verified” stamp, available to members who successfully meet compliance criteria. 

SA AIA also recognizes the importance of making these resources accessible. While some toolkits may be published publicly to benefit the broader industry, only SA AIA members will have access to the full compliance process, resources, assessments, and the "SA AIA Verified" stamp. 

A Collaborative Approach 

The taskforce’s development will be shaped by input from SA AIA members and industry stakeholders. The initiative aims to reflect the collective knowledge, experience, and expertise of the industry, ensuring that the toolkits are practical, effective, and aligned with global best practices. 

Additionally, the taskforce will engage with existing standards and expertise, including Health and Safety, SABS/ISO, (to name a few) without infringing on intellectual property rights. If specific standards are identified as critical, SA AIA will acquire these for use as guidelines during the toolkit development process. 

Driving Safety and Professionalism Forward 

The LOTC Toolkit Taskforce represents SA AIA’s ongoing commitment to raising the standards of the adventure industry in South Africa. By creating these resources, the taskforce aims to make outdoor education and LOTC experiences safer, more consistent, and more professional for everyone involved. 

What’s Next? 

With the taskforce officially launched, the next steps include gathering insights from members and stakeholders, developing the first toolkit drafts, and piloting the compliance assessments. The initiative promises to be a game-changer for the LOTC sector and its operators. 

Join the Journey 

For operators, venues, and practitioners looking to play a role in this transformative project, we encourage you to become a member of SA AIA and join the LOTC Toolkit Taskforce as it shapes the future of outdoor education in South Africa. 

For more information, visit our website: www.adventureassociation.co.za Stay updated on our latest initiatives by following us on social media. 

Media Contact:

Jessi Sunkel Executive Director South African Adventure Industry Association

Email: info@adventureassociation.co.za

Phone: +27 76 601 4997 

About SA AIA: The South African Adventure Industry Association (SA AIA) is a member-driven professional body dedicated to elevating the adventure and outdoor education industries through professionalization, collaboration, and advocacy. Our mission is to unlock the economic, human, and environmental potential of these industries while maintaining the highest standards of safety and ethics.