By Bronwyn Moody
If you buy food from food carts over your lunch break, you will notice that many servers use calculators to calculate change. As a result, queues build up, and transactions are delayed, affecting the profitability and productivity of the food carts. Suppose the servers have a high knowledge of mathematics.
In that case, they can speed up the process by counting on the go, which speeds up customer servicing, increasing the business’s productivity and profitability. Basic numeracy has a fundamental impact on the economy and development. Mathematics is essential for the workforce to thrive in today’s market, since mathematics is the science and study of quantity, structure, space, and change.
Equipping educators mathematically
Bank Windhoek contributes to Namibia’s development by enhancing mathematics education throughout the country. The Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, targeting educators and learners, are designed to build a strong foundation in numeracy skills that contribute to practical business productivity, economic growth and development. A key element of the Bank’s approach is a series of specialised teacher workshops for grade eight and nine mathematics educators. These workshops strengthen core mathematical competencies and essential classroom management skills in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the African Leadership Institute (ALI).
Known as the Bank Windhoek Mathematics Teachers Initiative, since its inception in 2024, 160 teachers have received training countrywide. By providing educators with advanced training, the programme ensures that teachers are wellequipped to address learning gaps and prepare students for real-world challenges. Participant teachers rated the workshops highly (4.7-5.0), appreciating the content’s relevance, the trainers’ expertise, and the facilities. Notable improvements were observed in teachers’ assessment and marking capabilities, crucial for learners’ performance in grade nine mathematics. Additionally, the workshops fostered positive transformations through soft skills, with teachers recognising the value of teamwork, personal finance management, and resilience. The programme aims to continue building on these successes, enhancing the quality of mathematics education across underserved regions. When teachers deliver robust math education, students develop the analytical skills to make sound business decisions, manage resources efficiently, and accurately interpret financial data. In addition to professional development for teachers, Bank Windhoek organises the annual Coastal Maths Challenge.
This event is designed for students from grades eight to ten, offering them a platform to apply mathematical concepts in a competitive environment. Through multiple problem-solving exercises, students sharpen their skills in areas critical to business and economic productivity. The challenge highlights the practical applications of math in everyday business scenarios. It recognises schools and communities that demonstrate excellence in mathematics. By encouraging students to excel academically, the initiative lays the groundwork for a future workforce capable of driving business efficiency and supporting economic decision-making.
The benefits of mathematics education
A robust mathematics education is fundamental for developing a skilled workforce supporting Namibia’s economic infrastructure. Proficiency in mathematics equips individuals with the ability to analyse trends, manage budgets, and make data-driven decisions, which are essential in sectors such as finance, engineering, and technology. As businesses increasingly rely on quantitative data to optimise operations and improve profitability, a strong foundation in math becomes critical. Enhanced numeracy skills enable professionals to forecast financial outcomes, streamline processes, and boost overall business performance, contributing to a more efficient and productive economy. Mathematics education also plays an essential role in fostering economic empowerment by preparing students to face the challenges of a dynamic job market.
The analytical and quantitative skills developed through rigorous math training directly apply to tasks such as costbenefit analysis, resource allocation, and risk management—key areas that impact the practical workings of businesses. By equipping learners with these capabilities, Namibia lays the groundwork for a generation of professionals who can drive sustained business growth and improved economic performance. Through these practical and focused initiatives, Bank Windhoek is helping to create a future where strong mathematical foundations lead to improved business productivity and sustained economic growth. Every Namibian student equipped with advanced numeracy skills is a step toward a more resilient and sustainable economy.
Bronwyn Moody is Bank Windhoek’s Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sponsorships