In a significant stride towards advancing education and youth development in Namibia, Nedbank Namibia officially handed over N$88 800 to the Namibian Mathematics Institute (NMI) at a ceremony held at the Nedbank Campus in Windhoek.
Nedbank Namibia has had a longstanding relationship with the NMI. Speaking at the event, Bianca Muller, Nedbank Namibia’s Human Capital Executive, reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing dedication to education as a cornerstone of national development: ‘At Nedbank we believe that education is not just a social responsibility; it is a strategic investment in the future of our country. In the world of banking mathematics is not just useful it is indispensable. Every transaction, every loan, every investment, every risk assessment is underpinned by numbers. From calculating interest rates and managing portfolios to analyzing data and forecasting trends, mathematics is the language we speak every day. It is the foundation of financial literacy and, by extension, financial inclusion.’
The Namibian Mathematics Institute was established in response to the growing need for targeted support in mathematics education. NMI is known for its “Map Mathematics” guide, which uses maps of Namibia and Africa to teach mathematical concepts like distance, speed, ratios, vectors, and trigonometry in a hands-on, relatable way. The institute also organizes workshops for senior secondary school teachers (Grades 10 and 11), aiming to improve teaching methods and reduce students’ fear of mathematics.
The Namibian Mathematics Institute aims to provide a dedicated space for learners and educators to engage with mathematics in a dynamic and supportive environment. It will offer resources, mentorship, and training to help demystify the subject and inspire a new generation of mathematicians, scientists, and innovators. Nedbank’s investment in the Institute is part of a broader commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education. This includes the bank’s recent support for the Mobile Planetarium Initiative, which brings the wonders of astrophysics and space science directly to schools cross Namibia.
The initiative is designed to spark curiosity and interest in science and mathematics, particularly among learners in under-resourced communities. Muller added: ‘Our support for the Mobile Planetarium and the Namibia Mathematics Institute reflects
our belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to explore, learn, and succeed.’
