Patience Makwele
A mathematics support programme aimed at improving learner performance has reached an estimated number of 40 000 grade 10 and 11 learners across Namibia by equipping teachers with practical classroom skills and learning resources.
The program which was implemented by the Namibia Mathematics Institute (NMI) with funding from the FirstRand Namibia Foundation seeks to strengthen mathematics teaching at a stage where learners begin preparing for senior secondary examinations that determine access to tertiary education and careers in fields such as engineering, science, medicine and technology.
Over the past five years, the initiative has trained an average of 25 mathematics teachers in each of eight education regions, benefiting about 200 educators who collectively teach approximately 40 000 learners.
The programme provides teachers with specialised training, study guides and practical teaching materials designed to make mathematics more engaging while helping learners develop confidence in the subject.
Oshana regional director of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture Pauline Shapumba said the intervention had made a noticeable difference for teachers in the region.
“Your financial support for teachers’ daily subsistence allowance and the booklets shared has really made a difference. The teachers appreciated the hands-on activities shared during the training and learned to connect mathematics concepts to real-life situations. We look forward to further productive collaborations that will uplift mathematics performance in our region,” she said.
NMI facilitator Stephanus Petrus Erwee said the programme, supported by First National Bank Namibia (FNB), Nedbank Namibia and Shoprite Namibia has expanded significantly since its inception.
“With the generous support of our donors, we have been able to implement our map/money maths materials for grade 10 and 11 learners in 11 regions over the past six years. This year we introduced the materials in the //Kharas and Oshana regions, where participants responded very positively,” Erwee said.
He said assessments conducted at the start of the workshops revealed a continued need for teacher development.
“It was again clear that our mathematics teachers are lacking some key competencies and that there is a need for regular teacher upgrading, which is lacking in all regions,” he said.
According to the FirstRand Namibia Foundation, improving mathematics education is critical to preparing young Namibians for an increasingly knowledge-based economy.
The Foundation says quality education remains one of its priority investment areas, alongside skills development, financial literacy, community development, environmental sustainability, arts and culture and sport.
By focusing on teacher development, the programme aims to create long-term improvements in classroom learning, recognising that each trained teacher can positively influence hundreds of learners over the course of their career.
The initiative has continued to expand its national footprint, with implementation this year extending to the //Kharas and Oshana regions as more schools gain access to practical mathematics teaching resources and support.
