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.
With over 20 years of experience at the Benard Centre of Learning, Petro provides dedicated help and support to learners in Grades 2 and 3. She specializes in developing reading, writing, spelling and comprehension skills in Afrikaans, ensuring learners build a strong foundation for their academic journey.
Sarie is a retired teacher who worked for many years as remedial teacher in mainstream schools as well a school for learners with special educational needs. In 2009 she was appointed as a learning support teacher at the Overberg Education District, serving several schools, including Mount Pleasant Primary. She became involved with the Bernard Centre of Learning as a trustee after witnessing the valuable work of the teachers in supporting learners with academic challenges.
Magda has been involved with the Benard Centre of Learning since its inception, first as a teacher and later as a trustee. A qualified remedial teacher, she worked in the Department of Special Education at a South African university before retiring to Hermanus. There she met Lorrie van Veen and joined her in supporting academically challenged learners at Mount Pleasant Primary School, helping them develop essential reading and writing skills.
Warren is a trained Telecoms Technologist who held various management positions at Telkom, one of South Africa’s leading telecommunications companies. After retiring, he educated himself in property development and civil construction, successfully completing numerous projects in the Overberg region and across the country. Warren now offers his management and technical expertise to the Benard Centre of Learning, supporting its continued growth impact.
Shireen is a retired teacher who taught Mathematics for 35 years at Mount Pleasant Primary School. As part of the school’s teacher support team, she saw firsthand how crucial reading skills are to learners’ academic success – and how the inability to read independently often prevents learners from completing school and finding employment. After retiring, she became a trustee and continues to support learners, helping them overcome academic challenges.
Delene has over 37 years of teaching experience, including 7 years as a remedial teacher. She currently assists Grade 2 and 3 learners at the Benard Centre of Learning, supporting children who face challenges in reading and writing in their mother tongue. Her extensive experience and commitment help learners build the skills and confidence they need to succeed academically.
Dr. Millicent Peterse Rink is a retired professor of music and music therapy. Since retirement in Hermanus, she has been involved with community upliftment with the aim of skills development and poverty alleviation. That is why she became involved with the Benard Centre of Learning Trust as a trustee.
Edith has served as an employee of the Western Cape Education Department for 39 years and is currently a Grade 1 teacher at Mount Pleasant Primary School. Passionate about literacy, she finds great purpose in supporting children with reading difficulties and helping them develop a strong foundation for future learning.
