About Us
Our Legacy of Hope
The Benard Centre of Learning Trust is a non-profit educational trust established in 1996 by Lorraine “Lorrie” van Veen. Inspired by her passion for children, Lorrie saw how many young learners in Mount Pleasant, Hermanus, were struggling academically and often drawn into cycles of crime and poverty.
With the support of an Australian donor, Mr. Benard, she founded the centre to provide specialized remedial reading support. For more than two decades, the centre has offered hope, skills, and confidence to children who might otherwise fall behind and drop out of school.
Our Mission
Our Mission for the Future
At the Benard Centre, we are dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of literacy. Our core mission is built on three pillars of transformation:
- Fluent Literacy: We enable every child to read with speed, accuracy, and deep comprehension at an age-appropriate level.
- Empowered Futures: we nurture confident, well-rounded young people, equipping them with the soft skills and mindset needed for the future world of work.
- A Path of Purpose: By providing a safe, educational haven, we offer a direct alternative to early school dropouts, gangs, and the lure of crime.
Our Approach
A Blended Approach to Learning
We combine the best of modern technology with the heart of traditional teaching. Our specialized method uses a computerized remedial reading programme alongside dedicated, one-on-one attention from qualified teachers to:
- Master Fundamental Skills: We strengthen reading, writing, and comprehension through data-driven tracking and personalized pacing.
- Build Lasting Confidence: By celebrating measurable progress, we foster the self-belief every child needs to succeed.
- Align with Excellence: Our programme is designed to fully support and enhance the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) curriculum, ensuring our learners stay on track with their peers.
Impact & Success Stories
Measurable Success, Real-World Impact
The proof of our programme is in the classroom. We combine standardized testing with the heartfelt feedback of local educators to ensure every child is truly moving forward.
- Teacher-Verified Progress: Grade 1 and 2 educators consistently report marked improvements in reading fluency, classroom confidence, and a renewed determination to learn.
- The Joy of Achievement: Beyond the grades, our learners discover a love for stories. They take immense pride in their progress, celebrating every milestone they reach.
- Proven Academic Growth: Our results are backed by data. Systemic and EGRA (Early Grade Reading Assessment) tests show measurable, sustained progress, proving that our blended approach works.
Frequently Asked Questions
We specifically support Grade 1, 2, and 3 learners from Mount Pleasant Primary School who have been identified by their teachers as needing extra help with literacy. Our focus is on providing early-intervention remedial reading to ensure no child falls behind during these critical foundation years.
As a registered Non-Profit Trust, we rely entirely on the generosity of individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners. Every cent goes directly toward our specialized teaching staff and maintaining our computerized reading laboratory to keep our doors open for the children of Hermanus.
Yes. Our blended learning approach is specifically designed to support and enhance the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) curriculum. We work hand-in-hand with Mount Pleasant Primary teachers to ensure our lessons align with what the children are learning in their daily classrooms.
Meet Our Team
The Hearts Behind the Mission
Our work is made possible by a team of dedicated remedial teachers and trustees who bring decades of experience in education and community upliftment to the Benard Centre. Together, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in Hermanus.
How You Can Help
Be a Part of the Legacy
Together, we can continue Lorrie’s mission and transform the futures of children in Hermanus. Your support—no matter the size—ensures that literacy and hope remain accessible to all.
Ways to Make a Difference:
Financial Support: Your donations sustain the centre, fund our qualified teachers, and keep our reading programmes running.
- Volunteer Your Time: Spend a few hours listening to children read or engaging them with educational games. Your presence makes a lasting impact.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Support a specific classroom, a new computer for our lab, or the expansion of our reading materials.
- Essential Supplies: We always welcome stationery and basic learning materials to ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed.