Funda Wande

[READ] Op-Ed Alert ❗ 🔊 Our Programmes Manager, Qhamani Neza Tshazi, recently shared a thought-provoking op-ed with TimesLive reflecting on the Democratic Alliance (DA) and AfriForum’s march against the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill. Qhamani highlights how these concerns around school autonomy and community influence may overlook the Bill’s greater objectives. Signed by President Ramaphosa, the BELA Bill seeks to address historical inequalities by centralising governance to ensure fair access to quality education for all learners. With provisions for standardising language and admissions policies and enhancing early childhood education, this legislation aims to dismantle exclusionary practices rooted in apartheid-era education. Qhamani’s op-ed underscores the BELA Bill as a crucial step towards a just, inclusive education system where every child has the chance to succeed. Read the full op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/dk4BE-fP

We are excited to welcome Simthembile Sibhayi as the new PM: Strategy, Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy. 🚀 Simthembile Sibhayi is a resilient leader with a passion for fostering partnerships and amplifying impactful stories. With a Bachelor of Social Sciences (GEM), an Honours and Master’s in Community Development, he brings a strong educational foundation to his work. Known for his creativity, data-driven insights, and commitment to transformative education, Simthembile combines strategic thinking with authentic human connection to create lasting impact. A natural collaborator, Simthembile thrives in empowering communities, tackling challenges with optimism and focus. Guided by his favourite quote, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" — Winston Churchill, he exemplifies dedication and resilience in his pursuit of positive change.

Event Highlights| In just 5 years, Funda Wande’s programmes have demonstrated how focused teacher training and resource development can transform early literacy. Our evaluations show promising improvements, and we’ve learned that creating sustainable, scalable models is key to long-term success. We’re testing more cost-effective approaches, and our journey in the Eastern Cape is far from over. While we celebrate the progress, we remain committed to pushing forward At our recent event, Zolani Metu, our Head of Programmes, reflected on the significance of our partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), celebrating the milestones we've achieved together. “We are currently in the second phase of Funda Wande, where we are focused on scaling our evidence-based approach to benefit not only the children of the Eastern Cape but all children across South Africa.”

Happy World Teachers’ Day! 🎉 Our vision at Funda Wande is that all children will read for meaning by age 10. We’re achieving this by distributing high-quality Learning and Teaching Support Materials (LTSM) and providing comprehensive teacher training in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Limpopo. Over the last 5 years, our teacher development programme, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), has empowered educators across the province, equipping them to make a lasting impact in the classroom. Join us in celebrating the incredible role teachers play in improving Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) outcomes in South African schools. "By empowering teachers to fulfill their roles as transformative intellectuals and community leaders, we can build resilient and equitable education systems that serve the public good and uplift the communities in which they work."  -UNESCO

We are excited to welcome Nosipho Mazolwana to Funda Wande as a Human Resources Officer. 🚀 With 10 years of experience in HR operations across private and public sectors, Nosipho specializes in implementing strategic initiatives and fostering positive employee relations. As a graduate of Tshwane University of Technology, she has demonstrated success in talent acquisition and employee training and development. Nosipho is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace while ensuring compliance with labour laws. Join us in welcoming Nosipho to the Funda Wande family!

Did you know? 81% of South African learners cannot read for meaning by the age of 10.  But over the past 5 years, Funda Wande, in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE), has made incredible strides in tackling this literacy crisis. As of 2024, the Funda Wande Programme has reached 55 schools, 241 teachers, and 10 129 learners across the Sarah Baartman, Buffalo City, and Nelson Mandela Bay districts in the Eastern Cape. #FundaWandeImpact #5YearsOfImpact #EarlyGradeLiteracy

Happy Heritage Day! 🌍✨ Today, we’re celebrating the beautiful mosaic of cultures and languages that make South Africa special. At Funda Wande, we champion the importance of nurturing reading skills in one’s mother tongue. “Heritage is the foundation that gives us roots and wings to soar into the future.” – Unknown Let’s cherish our diverse linguistic heritage! #HeritageDay #FundaWande #LanguageMatters #CulturalDiversity

Highlights ☀️|Funda Wande’s Head of Programmes, Zolani Metu, MSW. and Foundation Phase Specialist, Phuti Masenya are on a learning exchange with Teaching at the Right Level Africa (TaRL) Nigeria. The programmes team will spend the week in Kaduna State, engaging the TaRL team, Nigeria’s Education Ministry, and observing training. Funda Wande is committed to learning how other countries solve some of the pressing education challenges facing South African classrooms. #parterningforimpact #fundawande

The wait is over! The Online Training Academy (OTA) is now live! 🚀 The Online Training Academy (OTA) is designed to enhance your literacy and numeracy skills and empower you to make a lasting impact in your classroom. 🌐 Fully Online: Our user-friendly OTA platform ensures a seamless and flexible learning experience. ✨ Course Highlights: The Reading Academy covers the Five Reading Activities aligned with CAPS and is accredited with 35 SACE points. The Numeracy Academy, divided into four parts, covers essential topics and is also SACE accredited with 15 SACE points. The courses will be running for the next 3 months, so make sure to secure your spot! Enroll Here: https://lnkd.in/dJRyyrfS Watch this quick guide on how to enroll: https://lnkd.in/d2Rp-ufG

Congratulations to Speed Podile Radingoana for completing the Reading Academy! 🚀 You can still enroll and start your journey toward earning SACE points while enhancing your teaching skills. The Online Training Academy (OTA) is designed to enhance your literacy and numeracy skills and empower you to make a lasting impact in your classroom.   🌐 Fully Online: Our user-friendly OTA platform ensures a seamless and flexible learning experience.   ✨ Course Highlights:   📘 Reading Academy: 40 hours, covering Five Reading Activities aligned with the CAPS curriculum. Earn 35 SACE points!   🔢 Numeracy Academy: 40 hours, divided into Number Sense, Additive Operations, Multiplicative Operations, Fractions, Space and Shape, Measurement, and Data Handling. Earn 15 points!   To enroll, click the link https://lnkd.in/ddUx6ryy