One of our long treasured projects lies in the barren lands of the Karoo Desert in South Africa. The Hantam Community Education Trust runs a dedicated education centre providing a safe and rewarding environment from which local children can learn to sustain themselves. The ACE Foundation has been providing bursaries for students since 2002, focusing particularly on helping the younger generations break into their adult lives through access to higher education opportunities.
The Hantam Community Education Trust has created opportunities for hundreds of locals in the dispersed community. Starting with school age children in basic education, HCET has broadened its influence and now works on projects for older children through to adults, covering education, health and vocational skills. Nothing is taken for granted and the students are expected to pay back what they can afford, in order that the next generation can also benefit. All the staff are local and they are clearly dedicated to making sure work is available in the community and is executed to a very high standard.
The selection process for an Impumelelo Award is rigorous and demonstrates that an organisation truly reflects the values of sustainability. The award of R50 000 (approximately £4400.00) was presented by Transnet Foundation at the Impumelelo Innovations 2010 Sustainability Awards in South Africa.
The Hantam Community Education Trust’s work is undoubtedly invaluable and highly commendable and we say huge congratulations on a well earned prize!
Photograph of Lesley Osler – one of the founders of HCET – receiving the Impumelelo Award.
For more information about HCET see our website: www.acefoundation.org.uk/projects/project-hantamcommunity
