Mathematics unlocks great potential – teachers

In collaboration with the African Leadership Institute (ALI) and the Ministry of Education Arts and Culture, Bank Windhoek recently hosted forty teachers for a three-day Mathematics workshop at Rock Lodge, in the Okahandja district. With facilitators from the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, the teachers represented Khomas, Omaheke, Hardap and the Otjozondjupa Regions.

The workshop focused on helping the grade eight and nine teachers with essential mathematics and invaluable soft skills that could empower them in various aspects of their lives. The topics ranged from an overview of curriculum and challenges, planning and teaching methods and other mathematics topics, such as algebra, the branch of mathematics in which abstract symbols, rather than numbers, are manipulated or operated with arithmetic. Mathematics is the science and study of quality, structure, space, and change.

Nicolaas Eiman, who spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, said the Ministry is grateful to Bank Windhoek for its unwavering support in training mathematics teachers this year and in 2023. “Their commitment to education is commendable. Through these partnerships, we can strive towards improving the quality of education in our nation,” he said.

The Bank’s Head of Strategic Communication, Hayley Allen, said that as a connector of positive change and a responsible corporate citizen, the initiative is a public-private partnership where teachers can step back and refresh alongside other teachers who share their experiences and forge a solid foundation from which they can learn and implement success stories. “Bank Windhoek aims to foster genuine and authentic relationships beyond our banking halls and transactions on our digital channels. As Namibia’s only 100% commercial bank, our interest is investing in the future of Namibia and her people,” she said.

Four teachers from the participating regions said the event exceeded their expectations. Sinvula Sinvula, from the Okondjatu Combine School in the Otjozondjupa Region, said that besides everything else he appreciated the tips for approaching life and facing realities. “Mathematics is a backbone subject that can unlock potential as a field of study. It helps a person with other personal challenges.”

Representing the Mokganedi Tlbanello High School in the Omaheke Region, Hanbira Otniel shared that he was glad to have attended the workshop because it opened his eyes to what changes he needed to apply to his teaching methods, which he will share with his fellow teachers and learners.

Hilma Iifo, from Jan Jonker Afrikaner High School, said that the facilitators were mathematics experts and that from the discussions and brainstorming sessions, she could tell where her challenges were and how to improve. “The leadership training showed us that we are leaders in the classrooms and that it is our responsibility to instil the leadership qualities when teaching our learners,” she said.

As an agent for change at his school and his community, Mokgadi Tittus from Danie Joubert Combined School in Mariental, Hardap Region said that he learned so much about himself during the sessions. “Personal development is significant because when we are at our best, we can deliver our best to our learners. We will implement what we have learned,” he said.

Dr. Chrisna Von Gericke-Fourie, Director of Training at ALI, said partnering with Bank Windhoek and the Ministry of Education Arts and Culture was a great privilege. She added that it was great to see the sessions’ impact on the teachers. “It was also mesmerising to see the difference the three-day workshop can make in the lives of individuals. It is true that, where Bank Windhoek is, things get better,” she said.