OLH or the HUB as it is more commonly referred to, was previously known as the Hermanus Varsity Trust and is situated in the old synagogue at the entrance to Hermanus.
It came into being in 2019 and was initially designed as a learning support centre for a number of post-school accredited courses.In 2021, it was decided to narrow the focus to providing learning support for student teachers enrolled at STADIO, a private tertiary institution that offers distance learning. Visionaries such as John de Gruchy and Theo Krynauw, and the OLH supporters (funders, tutors, management, administrative staff and Friends of OLH) recognised the importance of laying a sound educational foundation for young children and, as a result, are deeply committed to supporting and nurturing the student teachers at OLH in their academic journey towards becoming quality, qualified teachers.
Through the unique model of learning support offered by OLH, every student experiences the best of both worlds. They participate in online lectures from an accredited university with an excellent reputation (STADIO), while also enjoying the benefits of direct contact learning experiences with fellow students and tutors. This ensures a healthy focus on the importance of the practical elements of teaching, integrated with the theoretical aspects of tertiary study.
Students go through a rigorous selection process by OLH and STADIO before being accepted to the course.
Students are not only supported academically, they also receive partial financial support, made possible by the generous donations received from members of the Overstrand community who have opened their hearts to the project.
Furthermore, our generous seed funder has offered students a substantial number of STADIO shares upon graduation. To ensure that the students receive the maximum financial benefit, the overhead costs of the OLH enterprise are kept to a minimum by maintaining a small administrative staff, and by relying on the tutors’ multi-tasking abilities.
With the year-on-year increase in the number of students enrolling for these specific courses offered by STADIO (BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching; Higher Certificate in Pre-School Education; and Post Graduate Certificate in Education), it became necessary to search for additional space.
OLH now partners with Enlighten Education Trust and the Hermanus Dutch Reformed Church to provide additional venues. Since many of the OLH students work full time, tutorials are held on weekdays in the early evening and on Saturdays. Students gather in small groups in these three venues every week to access learning support from experienced and suitably qualified tutors, as well as for the live streaming of STADIO lectures on a Saturday to the different study groups.
In addition, the OLH holds regular workshops on professionalism and self-development (PPD) to promote the development of excellent teachers These are designed by professionals with a wealth of experience in their particular field to equip the students with invaluable skills as future teachers, in what are becoming increasingly difficult teaching contexts.
Themes highlighted in workshops vary from academic literacy to managing a budget, to motivation through connection, with particular emphasis being placed on holistic and reflective teacher education (more about that in the next newsletter).
In addition, all students are required by OLH to participate in community engagement projects in aftercare facilities, this not only provides them with an opportunity to implement their knowledge but also to give back to the community.
The OLH initiative will not only strengthen education in the Overstrand region but will also be an investment in the broader community and that community’s ability to create a sustainable and prosperous future for “our” children. These teachers will hold the future in their hands.