About Us

Who We Are

A Legacy of Literacy in Hermanus.

The Benard Centre of Learning Trust is a dedicated non-profit educational heart based in Hermanus, South Africa. Founded in 1996 by Lorraine “Lorrie” van Veen, the centre was born from a deep-seated mission: to support children in the Mount Pleasant community who were being left behind by the traditional school system.

Lorrie’s vision was simple yet profound—reading is the foundation of a better future. She believed that by empowering children to read fluently and with confidence, we give them the tools to break free from cycles of poverty and hopelessness. With the foundational support of Australian donor, Mr. Benard, we established our first remedial classroom to turn that vision into reality.

Today, we remain a trusted sanctuary of learning, providing specialized remedial support for Grade 2 and 3 learners to strengthen their vital reading, writing, and comprehension skills.

Our Legacy and Future

Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future

The Benard Centre stands as a living legacy to the generosity of Lorrie van Veen and Mr. Benard. Their vision has already changed the lives of thousands of children, giving them the chance to learn, grow, and dream.

However, we have reached a critical turning point. Our initial funding is nearly depleted, and the need in our community is greater than ever. To continue this vital work, we are looking for partners, donors, and volunteers to help us reach our next milestones:

Expanding Our Reach: Employing more specialist teachers to support both Afrikaans and English-speaking learners.
Vocational Support: Assisting older learners in transitioning to schools of skill and vocational programmes.
Growth: Establishing satellite centres in neighbouring schools to reach more children in need.

Together, we can ensure that the children of Mount Pleasant continue to receive the life-changing gift of literacy.