Under new leadership, The Love Trust says that it has maintained its core belief of empowerment through equal opportunity. This year has truly demonstrated the power of embracing new opportunities.  

When Love Trust CEO, Erik van den Top, stepped into his new role at the start of 2024, he brought over a decade of experience with the organisation. Having joined in 2012, Van den Top has been a steadfast presence, previously serving as COO and Head of Strategy and Governance. His deep understanding of their journey and his first-hand experience of its growth made him uniquely equipped to lead the organisation forward into its new chapter, says the organisation. 

Despite the leadership transition, The Love Trust says that its vision for Nokuphila School remains unwavering: to provide quality Christian education and holistic support to learners and their communities. Van den Top is steadfast in his belief that this guiding mission is the foundation of the organisation’s success.

In line with this commitment, the entire team works together daily from the Nokuphila School campus, maintaining close connections with the learners they serve. This on-site presence reinforces the collaborative spirit that defines The Love Trust, ensuring that every staff member is integrated into the community they work alongside, adds the organisation.

Van den Top hosts termly CEO briefings, updating the staff on the organisation's short and long-term strategies. These sessions are instrumental in keeping the staff aligned with the organisation's vision; creating a unified approach to its work, says the organisation.

Milestones in Education: Nokuphila's First High School Year

The Love Trust says that this year marks another significant landmark for The Love Trust as it welcomed its first cohort of Grade 8 learners — graduates of last year's Grade 7 class at Nokuphila Primary School. Their transition into high school has been a successful process, and the organisation is proud to continue supporting these learners as they progress to become Nokuphila's first Grade 9 learners in 2025.

Expanding the high school is an exciting prospect, but The Love Trust says that it has no immediate plans for further growth. While running Nokuphila through to Matric is a part of their long-term vision, its experience has shown how costly such an expansion can be. Without capital funding and three years of secured operational funding, it cannot commit to adding additional grades. Its primary focus remains on providing the best possible support for Nokuphila's current learners.

Running a high school comes with unique challenges and significant financial demands, particularly in providing the learners with essential resources such as laboratories, technology equipment and specialised tools like scientific calculators, says the organisation. 

The Love Trust says that for now, the Nokuphila School is focused on ensuring that every aspect of the high school aligns with its commitment to excellence. Its measured approach reflects a deep dedication to delivering a holistic experience, rather than expanding at the expense of standards.

Securing a Future: The Launch of the Legacy Fund

This year, The Love Trust says that it has launched an initiative — the Legacy Fund — designed to ensure the organisation's mission endures for generations to come. More than a traditional endowment fund model, the Legacy Fund symbolises a lasting commitment to the impact that The Love Trust strives to achieve, offering a way for donors to leave a meaningful mark on future learners and their communities.

The fund will contribute to the essential educational support of current and future learners and their growing initiatives that evolve with their communities' needs. As a forward-thinking educational facility, the Nokuphila School remains committed to keeping up with technological advancements to address the widening gap that those less privileged suffer if they are not given access to current resources and technologies, adds the organisation.  

With the vision to raise R100-million by 2060, the Love Trust says that its legacy is set to change more lives than it had ever dared dream. 

A Heartfelt Close to 2024

As the school year concludes, The Love Trust says that it celebrates its learners' remarkable milestones — from little ones graduating from Grade R to begin their exciting journey into "big school", to Grade 8 learners that step confidently into high school. These moments are a testament to the transformative power of education and the nurturing environment provided at Nokuphila School.

While the school takes a well-deserved break to reset, The Love Trust says that its commitment to its families remains unwavering. For many, the holidays can be a challenging time without the daily meals the school provides. To help bridge this gap, The Love Trust distributes food packages to families in need, ensuring they have the support they require during this time of rest and reflection.

The Love Trust concludes that this dedication to nurturing learners in and out of the classroom makes The Love Trust special. It's not just about education; it's about creating a foundation of hope, dignity and opportunity extending beyond the school gates.

For more information, visit www.thelovetrust.co.za. You can also follow The Love Trust on Facebook or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor