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 25 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.
HANTAM NEWS
Umthombo Wolwazi choir excels in national championships
The Umthombo Wolwazi choir has done us proud by excelling in the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod held in Johannesburg in early July. Read more >>
HCET Annual Report 2024
We’ve released our Annual Report for 2024. As previously, it provides a vivid and detailed picture of a year in the life of our project. To download a desktop version, click here.
New ECD Centre
The HCET has gained a new ECD Centre. Funded by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), it comprises two classrooms, a play area, and various other facilities, secured behind a palisade fence. Read more >>
HCET activities in early 2024. For details, see Hantam Diary 2024.
OUR SIX 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 TWO:
Quality schooling
STEP THREE:
Further education
Successful learners are given bursaries for further education and training, and receive continued guidance and support.
STEP FOUR:
Youth development
Young people who do not continue their formal education benefit from a focused youth development programme.
STEP FIVE:
A healthy community
Learners and their families receive home visits from health workers, and benefit from a community health clinic and pharmacy.
STEP SIX:
Community participation
Parents and other community members support the Trust, and are actively involved in its governance.
HANTAM LIVE
30th anniversary celebrations
On 30 July 2019, we celebrated the HCET’s 30th anniversary with a production of dance and music in the Colesberg High School hall, depicting the journey of children from our humble beginnings to the present.
Thembinkosi's journey
This short video captures the essence of our 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!’