Nedbank Namibia has officially handed over N$88,800 to the Namibian Mathematics Institute (NMI) in a bid to promote mathematics education in the country.
The donation, made at a ceremony held at the Nedbank Campus in Windhoek, aims to support the NMI's initiatives aimed at improving mathematics education.
This includes its "Map Mathematics" programme, which uses innovative methods to teach mathematical concepts.
Nedbank Namibia's Human Capital Executive, Bianca Muller, emphasised the bank's commitment to education as a cornerstone of national development.
"We believe in the potential of Namibian learners; we believe in their ability to innovate, lead, and shape a brighter future. To the students who will receive lessons from the institute, know this was built for you, that you will be challenged, supported and inspired."
She added that investing in young people counts as long-term national development.
Founder of NMI Pieter Erwee attests to the difficult nature of mathematics in schools, saying class teachers are challenged in teaching theory, given the various concepts that exist in mathematics.
As to why initiatives such as NMI are important in further advancing the practical learning of mathematics in school, Erwee had this to say.
"The general performance of learners in mathematics is poor, and many learners find the subject very challenging; most mathematics teachers focus on procedures, recipes, etc. The teachers, because there is no time, really have to establish the concepts. To understand concepts, they have to work through hundreds of papers to get the kids to understand."
The Namibian Mathematics Institute was established to provide a dedicated space for learners and educators to engage with mathematics in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Nedbank's investment in NMI is part of its broader commitment to STEM education, which includes support for the Mobile Planetarium Initiative.
The partnership further underscores the bank's dedication to promoting education and youth development in Namibia.