Project: Hantam Community Education Trust
MAMA: Lesley
Started in: 1989
Partner since: 2019
Location: A small farmers community near Colesberg, Nothern Cape
Number of children: 70 (supported by MAMAS), 271 (total)
Special because: Hantam's care starts before the baby is born.

Hantam, fifty kilometres outside of Colesberg, is a beacon of hope for a small community of 116 peasant families. The project started with a small play school for toddlers on an old farm decades ago. In the meantime, Hantam has blossomed into an organisation that cares for hundreds of children. MAMAS care starts before the baby is born and continues until maturity. The care provided is divided into different steps. 

Step 1: A good start. Mothers (and fathers) of vulnerable families participate in a parenthood programme that starts during pregnancy. Women are for example educated on the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy. As a result, the amount of children that are born with foetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD) in this area has been reduced to zero! The parents learn what small infants need and what proper parenthood entails. When the child is born, its growth and health will be monitored.  

Step 2: Toddler learning. When the children reach the age of three they are welcomed to the toddler childcare (ECD Centre) of Hantam. They are taught important basics such as singing songs, reading books and are enabled to play endlessly and receive a healthy meal. The MAMAS attention and stimulation prepare these toddlers for a solid start at school.

Step 3: From infant to teenager. Hantam accompanies the children during their entire primary and secondary school period. The MAMAS work closely with the local schools. They also teach computer skills. Children with learning disabilities can attend special classes.

Step 4: study or learn a trade. After their matric, successful students receive a scholarship to further their education. Young people who can’t or don’t want to further their education, can attend vocational job training or are assisted when looking for a fitting job (for example in the catering industry or as a farmer).  

Step 5: health. The MAMAS regularly visit the children’s homes. During these home visits, they check the families welfare and screen the children’s health. Families can also utilize the clinic of Hantam.

Step 6: involve the community. The children's parents but also other people from the community are being involved in the work of Hantam, for example by actively taking part in different programmes.