{"id":1106,"date":"2026-09-30T12:24:05","date_gmt":"2026-09-30T10:24:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salaenglish.com\/?page_id=1106"},"modified":"2026-10-15T12:54:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T10:54:25","slug":"about-sala","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/salaenglish.com\/grissom\/about-sala\/","title":{"rendered":"About SALA"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1106\" class=\"elementor elementor-1106\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d6dc94 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9d6dc94\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1fbe3e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"1fbe3e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- ==========================================\n     SALA ABOUT US \u2014 CHANGE PHOTOS HERE\n     ONLY CHANGE THE URLS BETWEEN THE QUOTES\n     (Everything below this block can be left alone)\n========================================== -->\n<style>\n.sala-about{\n  \/* IMAGE 1 \u2014 HERO (beside \"Learn English. 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[data-ab-reveal]{opacity:1;transform:none;transition:transform .75s ease}\n.sala-about [data-ab-reveal].is-visible{opacity:1;transform:none}\n\n\/* =========================================\n   SCROLL ANIMATIONS\n   Only run in browsers that support scroll-driven animation.\n   Everywhere else the content simply shows normally.\n========================================= *\/\n@supports (animation-timeline: view()){\n  .sala-about .ab-grid>div:not(.ab-visual),\n  .sala-about .ab-dark .ab-wrap>.ab-eye,\n  .sala-about .ab-dark h2,\n  .sala-about .ab-dark .ab-wrap>p,\n  .sala-about .ab-cream .ab-wrap>.ab-eye,\n  .sala-about .ab-cream .ab-wrap>h2,\n  .sala-about .ab-cta-row>*{\n    animation:abReveal linear backwards;\n    animation-timeline:view();\n    animation-range:entry 0% entry 45%;\n  }\n\n  .sala-about .ab-card,\n  .sala-about .ab-person{\n    animation:abReveal linear backwards;\n    animation-timeline:view();\n    animation-range:entry 0% entry 45%;\n  }\n  .sala-about 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.ab-visual{order:0}\n  .sala-about .ab-cards,.sala-about .ab-people{grid-template-columns:1fr}\n  .sala-about .ab-cta-row{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}\n}\n@media(max-width:600px){\n  .sala-about .ab-hero-brand{right:0;padding:14px 20px}\n  .sala-about .ab-hero-brand span{font-size:65px}\n  .sala-about .ab-hero,.sala-about .ab-section,.sala-about .ab-dark{padding:70px 0}\n  .sala-about .ab-hero h1{font-size:55px}\n  .sala-about .ab-cta{padding:65px 0}\n  .sala-about .ab-visual:before{right:-8px;bottom:-14px}\n  .sala-about .ab-grid.reverse .ab-visual:before{left:-8px}\n  .sala-about .ab-visual:after{left:-8px;top:-14px;width:54px;height:54px}\n  .sala-about .ab-grid.reverse .ab-visual:after{right:-8px}\n  .sala-about .ab-blob.b3{display:none}\n}\n\/* Respect visitors who prefer no motion: everything shows instantly *\/\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){\n  .sala-about *,.sala-about *:before,.sala-about *:after{animation:none!important;transition:none!important}\n  .sala-about [data-ab-reveal]{opacity:1;transform:none;transition:none}\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<main class=\"sala-about\">\n  <!-- HERO -->\n  <section class=\"ab-hero\">\n    <div class=\"ab-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n      <span class=\"ab-blob b1\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-blob b2\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-blob b3\"><\/span>\n      <span class=\"ab-spark s1\">\u2726<\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s2\">\u2726<\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s3\">\u2726<\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s4\">\u2726<\/span>\n      <span class=\"ab-dots\" style=\"left:3%;bottom:8%\"><\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"ab-wrap ab-hero-grid\">\n      <div data-ab-reveal>\n        <div class=\"ab-eye\">About us \u00b7 South African Language Academy<\/div>\n        <h1>Learn English.<br><span>Love SALA.<\/span><\/h1>\n        <p>Born from a passion for connection, SALA brings people from around the world together through language, relationships and life in Cape Town.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"ab-hero-visual\" data-ab-reveal>\n        <div class=\"ab-hero-brand\" aria-label=\"SALA South African Language Academy\"><span>SALA<\/span><small>SOUTH AFRICAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY<\/small><\/div>\n        <div class=\"ab-photo-frame\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ab-img-1\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Cape Town international students together at SALA\">\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- ORIGINAL SALA STORY -->\n  <section class=\"ab-section ab-white\">\n    <div class=\"ab-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ab-blob b1\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-blob b2\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s2\">\u2726<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"ab-wrap ab-grid\">\n      <div class=\"ab-visual\" data-ab-reveal>\n        <div class=\"ab-photo-frame\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ab-img-2\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"The SALA story in Cape Town\">\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div data-ab-reveal>\n        <div class=\"ab-eye\">Our story<\/div>\n        <h2>Born from a passion for connection.<\/h2>\n        <p>We founded our organisation in Cape Town with a simple but powerful belief: true language learning happens through relationship.<\/p>\n        <p>Having welcomed students, professionals, and adventurers from every corner of the globe, we noticed that traditional classrooms often miss the mark. Students would memorise grammar rules but still struggle to hold a conversation at a local market or in a corporate boardroom.<\/p>\n        <p>We wanted to change that.<\/p>\n        <p>By combining intensive, relationship-based English learning with meaningful volunteer projects in our surrounding Cape Town communities, we created a space where language comes alive. Here, you do not just study a culture from a textbook\u2014you become an active, valued part of it.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- RELATIONSHIP FIRST -->\n  <section class=\"ab-section ab-cream\">\n    <div class=\"ab-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ab-blob b1\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-blob b2\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s1\">\u2726<\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s4\">\u2726<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"ab-wrap ab-grid reverse\">\n      <div class=\"ab-visual\" data-ab-reveal>\n        <div class=\"ab-photo-frame\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ab-img-3\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Students learning English through conversation\">\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div data-ab-reveal>\n        <div class=\"ab-eye\">Our teaching philosophy<\/div>\n        <h2>The \u201cRelationship-First\u201d philosophy.<\/h2>\n        <p>Our students achieve incredible success because they learn English through genuine, human connection.<\/p>\n        <ul class=\"ab-list\">\n          <li><strong>Conversational Immersion:<\/strong> You will practice English while working side-by-side with local NGO leaders, mentoring youth, and navigating daily life in the city.<\/li>\n          <li><strong>Confidence-Driven Learning:<\/strong> By shifting the focus from perfect grammar to authentic communication, our students lose their fear of making mistakes and start speaking fluently very quickly.<\/li>\n          <li><strong>Global &amp; Local Networks:<\/strong> You will build deep bonds with international peers and South African locals alike, creating a global network that lasts a lifetime.<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- TEACHERS -->\n  <section class=\"ab-dark\">\n    <div class=\"ab-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ab-stars\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-ring\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-ring r2\"><\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"ab-wrap\">\n      <div class=\"ab-eye\">Our teachers<\/div>\n      <h2 data-ab-reveal>Learn with first-language English-speaking teachers.<\/h2>\n      <p data-ab-reveal>At SALA, your learning experience is guided by first-language English-speaking teachers who help you build confidence, practise real conversations and develop your language skills.<\/p>\n      <div class=\"ab-cards\">\n        <article class=\"ab-card\" data-ab-reveal><h3>First-language speakers<\/h3><p>Learn English with teachers who speak the language as their first language.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ab-card\" data-ab-reveal><h3>Real communication<\/h3><p>Put conversation, confidence and meaningful interaction at the centre of your learning.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ab-card\" data-ab-reveal><h3>Personal connection<\/h3><p>Build relationships with your teachers and fellow students as part of the SALA experience.<\/p><\/article>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- SAFETY AND COMFORT -->\n  <section class=\"ab-section ab-white\">\n    <div class=\"ab-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ab-blob b1\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-blob b2\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s3\">\u2726<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"ab-wrap ab-grid\">\n      <div class=\"ab-visual\" data-ab-reveal>\n        <div class=\"ab-photo-frame\">\n          <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ab-img-4\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Students supported and safe in Cape Town\">\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div data-ab-reveal>\n        <div class=\"ab-eye\">Student wellbeing<\/div>\n        <h2>Your safety and comfort: a home away from home.<\/h2>\n        <p>Travelling to a new continent is an incredible adventure, and we are dedicated to making sure you feel safe, secure, and supported every single step of the way. From the moment you land in Cape Town, you are part of our family.<\/p>\n        <ul class=\"ab-list\">\n          <li><strong>24\/7 On-Ground Support:<\/strong> Our dedicated local coordinators are always available to guide you, answer questions, and assist with any emergencies.<\/li>\n          <li><strong>Comprehensive Orientation:<\/strong> We provide a thorough introduction to Cape Town, including safety tips, cultural insights, and transport navigation.<\/li>\n          <li><strong>Welcoming Accommodation:<\/strong> Live comfortably alongside fellow international volunteers in a safe, community-focused environment that makes it easy to relax and recharge after a fulfilling day.<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- ORIGINAL PEOPLE -->\n  <section class=\"ab-section ab-cream\">\n    <div class=\"ab-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ab-blob b1\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-blob b2\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s2\">\u2726<\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s1\">\u2726<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"ab-wrap\">\n      <div class=\"ab-eye\">The people behind SALA<\/div>\n      <h2 data-ab-reveal>People who make the difference.<\/h2>\n      <div class=\"ab-people\">\n        <article class=\"ab-person\" data-ab-reveal><h3>Sam Daries<\/h3><small>Founder &amp; Director<\/small><p>\u201cOur goal is to show you the real Cape Town\u2014the warmth of its people, the beauty of its landscapes, and the incredible potential of its youth.\u201d<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ab-person\" data-ab-reveal><h3>Anastasia Hamilton<\/h3><small>Lead English Instructor<\/small><p>Certified and passionate about relationship-based teaching, helping you unlock professional and conversational fluency.<\/p><\/article>\n        <article class=\"ab-person\" data-ab-reveal><h3>Manette Jacobs<\/h3><small>Volunteer Program Coordinator<\/small><p>Your main point of contact on the ground, ensuring your volunteer placement is rewarding, safe, and impactful.<\/p><\/article>\n      <\/div>\n      <p style=\"margin-top:35px\"><a class=\"ab-btn\" href=\"\/grissom\/meet-the-team\/\">Meet the SALA Team \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- END, NO START YOUR SALA EXPERIENCE SECTION -->\n  <section class=\"ab-cta\">\n    <div class=\"ab-bg\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"ab-blob b1\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-blob b2\"><\/span><span class=\"ab-spark s4\">\u2726<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"ab-wrap ab-cta-row\">\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"ab-eye\">Discover our home<\/div>\n        <h2>Cape Town is part of our story.<\/h2>\n        <p>Discover the city, its people and the experiences that make SALA special.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <a class=\"ab-btn\" href=\"\/grissom\/touring-cape-town\/\">Explore Cape Town \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n<\/main>\n<script>\n(function(){\n  var root=document.querySelector('.sala-about');\n  if(!root)return;\n  var items=root.querySelectorAll('[data-ab-reveal]');\n  if(!('IntersectionObserver' in window)){items.forEach(function(el){el.classList.add('is-visible')});return}\n  var obs=new IntersectionObserver(function(entries){entries.forEach(function(entry){if(entry.isIntersecting){entry.target.classList.add('is-visible');obs.unobserve(entry.target)}})},{threshold:.08});\n  items.forEach(function(el){obs.observe(el)});\n})();\n<\/script>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u2726\u2726\u2726\u2726 About us \u00b7 South African Language Academy Learn English.Love SALA. 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