Salt and Light ECD Hopetown Northern Cape
Project Managers:
Louise Ferreira – 082 806 3311
Frieda van der Post – 082 903 7440
Leona Vermeulen – 082 409 4110 E-mail: saltandlightecd@outlook.com
Physical Address: Cnr. Cathcart & van Riebeeck Street, Hopetown, 8750
Salt & Light: *A Beacon of Hope in Hopetown*
Empowering Our Community Through Education and Upliftment
We are proud to introduce the Salt and Light (Hub for Hope) team – Louise Ferreira, Leona Vermeulen, and Frieda Van Der Post – three women born and raised in the heart of Hopetown, Northern Cape. As long-standing members of the farming community, we’ve spent many years understanding the true needs of our area. One stood out clearly: Accessible, quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
After Careful research and visits to various preschools for underprivileged children across South Africa, our journey led us to a remarkable partnership with SHILOH Jubilee Excellence Schools. From the moment our paths crossed, we knew this was the right collaboration. Our Teachers received training through SHILOH, and we implemented their empowering curriculum, one that promotes self-directed learning in a peaceful and respectful setting.
But our vision didn’t stop there.
We took on the challenge of restoring a historic building, originally built in 1909 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Once a proud library, it had sadly become a neglected dump site for over 30 years. Today, after months of dedication and renovation, that same building has been transformed into a safe, beautiful preschool, bursting with potential and purpose.
In May 2025, we officially reopened our doors. We now serve children aged 3 to 6, offering them not only quality education but also nutritious meals, emotional support, and a loving environment.
We are proud to be a place where children can thrive and build the foundation for a bright future.
Looking ahead, our dream is to expand into a skills development centre, aimed at uplifting our youth and supporting the parents of the children in our care.
Serving the Hopetown and Steynville communities is not just our mission – it is our privilege. We are honoured to walk this journey with Salt and Light and SHILOH, proving that together, we are stronger.
With love and hope,
The Salt and Light (Hub for Hope)Team