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Better lives for rural people

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 28 years ago, it has grown into an early learning centre, 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 project has won numerous awards, including the State President’s Award for Community Initiative in the Northern Cape.

Follow our seven steps to sustainable development

STEP ONE: An early start

Young children benefit from an effective parenting programme, followed by intensive early learning in a dedicated ECD centre.

STEP FOUR: Further education

Successful learners are given bursaries for further education and training, and receive continued guidance and support.

STEP TWO: Quality schooling

Learners are taught by highly trained teachers using specialised teaching methods, aimed at achieving high levels of literacy and numeracy.

STEP FIVE: Youth Development

Young people who do not continue their formal education benefit from a focused youth development programme.

STEP THREE: Special needs

Children with learning difficulties attend special needs classes following a special curriculum developed by the HCET.

STEP SIX: Community health

Learners and their families receive home visits from health workers, and benefit from a community health clinic and pharmacy.

STEP SEVEN: Community participation

Parents and other community members support the Trust, and are actively involved in its governance.

The HCET live

Thembinkosi's journey

The HCET has commissioned a short video that encapsulates the essence of its mission. It traces the life of Thembinkosi Matyeka, who rose from a labourer’s cottage in the district to become junior South African champion welder. As Thembinkosi says, ‘Not bad for a kid from the Karoo!’