Campaign Story

THE HANTAM COMMUNITY EDUCATION TRUST is a comprehensive educational and development project situated east of Colesberg in the Great Karoo. Begun as a play school in a disused farm building 25 years ago, it has grown into an early learning center, primary school and intermediate school, housed in a complex built on land donated by a local farmer. The Trust utilises advanced educational methods, including innovative new approaches to achieving basic numeracy and literacy, and helps its learners to complete further education and training. It also manages community health and youth development programmes.

The HCET employs a six steps to sustainable development method.

1. STEP ONE: An early start – Young children benefit from an effective parenting programme, followed by intensive early learning in a dedicated ECD centre.

2. STEP TWO: Quality schooling – Learners are taught by highly trained teachers using specialised teaching methods, aimed at achieving high levels of literacy and numeracy.

3. STEP THREE: Further education – Successful learners are given bursaries for further education and training, and receive continued guidance and support.

4. STEP FOUR: Youth development – Young people who do not continue their formal education benefit from a focused youth development programme.

5. STEP FIVE: A healthy community – Learners and their families receive home visits from health workers, and benefit from a community health clinic and pharmacy.

6. STEP SIX: Community participation – Parents and other community members support the Trust, and are actively involved in its governance.