The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and non-profit organisation Funda Wande have taken their joint numeracy programme to school leaders across the province, launching a series of roadshows aimed at strengthening the rollout of Bala Wande — a Mathematics intervention for the Foundation Phase, the first three years of primary school.
A partnership already in motion
The WCED and Funda Wande first joined forces in November 2025 to launch Bala Wande, building on earlier success in improving early-grade reading. The programme supports Grade 1 teachers through structured training and practical resources, including teacher guides, learner books, and Maths resource kits, all designed to help young learners build a solid understanding of mathematical concepts.
Since its launch, the pilot phase has reached 225 Grade 1 teachers across 70 schools, with a wider rollout planned to reach approximately 10 000 teachers over the next three years, across three languages.
Roadshows put school leaders in the picture
The Bala Wande Roadshows are now being held to bring together school principals and deads of department (HODs), giving them a clear picture of the programme and what support is available. The sessions also aim to build a shared vision for quality Mathematics teaching across the Foundation Phase and to align school leadership around a consistent approach.
More specifically, the roadshows aim to:
Give principals and HODs a clear understanding of how Bala Wande approaches Mathematics teaching:
- Show how structured materials and resources can improve learning outcomes
- Remind school management teams of the department’s Mathematics strategy
- Support consistent monitoring of classroom practice
- Laying the groundwork for lasting change
By bringing together principals, school leaders, and officials from across the education system, the roadshows aim to build the shared understanding and support needed for consistent, lasting improvements in numeracy teaching and learning throughout the Western Cape.
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