About Enlighten Education Trust
“Education is a human right with immense power to transform... it is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family”
— Kofi Annan (Former Secretary-General of the United Nations)
Henri Kuiper
Founder and Life President
Henri Kuiper, a retired businessman, believed strongly in the power of education and its importance to South Africa’s future.
In the early 2000s, his vision went well beyond retirement and his love of farming. He wanted to make a practical, lasting difference in the Overstrand area of the Western Cape by improving teaching and learning.
To do this, Henri brought together a group of committed, like-minded people and founded the Enlighten Education Trust in 2002. After serving as Chairman from 2002 until 2010, he was named Life President, a position he maintained until his passing in 2020. His exceptional energy, leadership, and organisational skills gave the Trust a strong start and continue to influence its work today.
Henri’s vision provides inspiration to the dedicated staff and volunteers who carry forward his vision of making a lasting difference in our under- served communities.
Vision
Improve the Quality of Teaching, Learning and Life in the Overstrand.
Mission
To improve the skills of teachers through appropriate courses and interventions in all disciplines.
To stimulate and grow leadership skills, cross-cultural understanding and teamwork in young people.
To improve the literacy and numeracy levels of learners at all phases with particular emphasis at the Foundation Phase.
To increase the cultural capital of learners by providing access to:
- Homes where parents have been trained to provide an environment conducive to producing conscientious learners, for the Primary Phase.
- Toys, books and play areas, at the Early Childhood Development Phase.
- Books at the Foundation and Primary Phases.
- Art, Craft and Creativity classes for Primary school learners.
- Playing of musical instruments and the reading of musical notation.
- Training in E-learning, Computer and Robotic skills.
To assist foreign national learners to become fluent in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa.
Our Journey Through Time
Explore our key milestones – each one a step forward in our mission to enrich education and uplift communities.
2002
Our First Steps
Launch of our initiative with teacher workshops in seven local schools. The foundation of our enduring vision.
2010
Expanding To ECD
Our focus widened to include Early Childhood Development, addressing the foundation years of learning.
2013
Music And Arts Expansion
Expansion of the Enlighten Music and Arts Project including participating in the established Hermanus FynArts Festival.
2017
E-Learning Launch
Enlighten E-Learning project launched in partnership with the Overberg Education District.
2024
Growing Reach
We now manage 18 projects across 22 schools and 110 ECD and Aftercare centres – reaching over 7000 children every year.
2025
Looking Ahead
Our aspirations include deepening community partnerships and the impact of our programmes, strengthening our organisational sustainability while further developing our role as an anchor in the community.
FOSTERING GROWTH
A Legacy Of Educational Support Since 2002
Now in its 23rd year, Enlighten has grown into a trusted and effective non-governmental organisation, implementing 18 projects that impact 22 schools. These projects benefit more than 400 teachers and 7,000+ learners across a 50-kilometre radius, stretching from Betty’s Bay to Gansbaai in the Overstrand municipality.
Our Approach
Building Foundations For Lifelong Success
We believe that real education is holistic, child-centered and far-reaching – touching lives both inside and outside the classroom. Our programmes are built on three key pillars:
Literacy And Numeracy
Building essential reading and maths skills:
- Classroom support and enrichment
- Homework clubs
- Tailored interventions for foundation learning
ECD And Aftercare
Laying the foundations for lifelong learning through:
- Support for 75 Educare centres, reaching 3,000+ children
- Training and mentorship for over 300 early childhood educators
- Assistance with registering 35 aftercare facilities in partnership with the Department of Social Development
Tools for Learning And Life Skills
Fostering practical thinking, creativity and collaboration through:
- E-learning and digital technology
- Visual arts, crafts, and musical performance
- Hands-on problem-solving and teamwork activities
Meet Our Team
Our work is driven by a dedicated and diverse team of professionals who share a passion for education and upliftment
Fundraising And Admin
Magriet Peter
Executive Director
Rodney Nissen
Projects Manager
Manisha Maharaj
Fundraiser
Nomzamo Mtomile
Receptionist
Early Childhood Development
Haydé Swartz
Coordinator, ECD & After School Care
Adrianne Fortuin
ECD & Social Services Professional
Literacy, Numeracy And FPEP
Colleen Roberts
FPEP Co-ordinator
Berenice Brown
FPEP Facilitator
Lydia Milne
FPEP Facilitator
Corlia Bloch
Shine A Light, Homework Club Coordinator
E-Learning & Libraries
Siwe Ntontelo
E-learning Assistant
Damién Nissen
E-learning Assistant
Kenneth Newman
E-learning Assistant
Elmine Boonzaaier
Librarian
Music, Arts And Crafts
Anna-Marié Kotzé
Music Facilitator: Piano And Marimba
Danielle Stoop
Music Facilitator: Violin & Viola Teacher
Sarah Just
Music Facilitator: Recorders
Karin van Maltzahn
Visual Arts & Crafts Facilitator
Support And Therapy
Dora Lucas
Counsellor
Field Workers
Aluxolo Mjuleka
After School Care Field Worker
Jean-Jacques Swarts
After School Care Field Worker
Heloise Sarels
After School Care Field Worker
Akhona Lupuzi
After School Care Field Worker
Operations
Handsome Matsilele
Maintenance
Gloria Gijana
General Cleaner
Sponsors
