LOMBARD INSURANCE – 10 YEARS OF UNWAVERING SUPPORT OF QUALITY MATHS EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
Gauteng, South Africa
Today we celebrate our long-term partnership with Lombard Insurance. We are grateful for their continued unwavering dedication to the improvement in South Africa’s education.
It all started at the beginning of 2015, ten years ago, when Lombard Insurance decided to support the My Maths Buddy One Book One Learner Project for the first time. Mathematics is one of the most fundamental subjects that drive and supports the country’s economy. True understanding and proper application of Mathematics creates true professionals that are the major force behind any strong economy.
Ivory Park Secondary school in Tembisa was the first school that received LombardInsurance’s generous support and 120 grade 8 learners and 10 Maths teachers were enrolled on the program.
The project was run in collaboration with the Mix FM radio station and created a real buzz in the surrounding communities attracting quite a few companies and individuals who joined in as part of the drive to uplift Maths at the school
The principal of the school had organized a graduation ceremony for all the learners who attended the training and all the participants were invited and a memorable event was held because, as a result of the program, the pass rate of the learners had grown by over 30%!
The partnership with Lombard Insurance continued in 2016 when the project moved to Alexandra township and the project was introduced to Kwa-Bhekilanga Secondary school.
We continued to work with the learners and Maths teachers for the next 4 years at this school, bringing true understanding of Maths to hundreds of learners.
And as the HOD Maths of Kwa-Bhekilanga Secondary school said: After the introduction of the My Maths Buddy tools to the learners the need for remedial lessons has been reduced by 40%. The learners are able to understand the explanations of Maths topics. Learners also developed more confidence in the subject of Maths.”
The project was featured in the Alex News in May 2019 where one of the grade 9 learners shared his success from the program: “I started participating in the project last year and it has been very helpful for me. I managed to get better marks and the maths dictionary we were provided with are the best tools to use.” – S. Dhlamini
M.C. Weiler Primary is also located in Alexandra township and is one of the feeder schools for Kwa-Bhekalanga Secondary school.
In 2021 the My Maths Buddy Program was introduced to the Maths teachers and grade 5 learners at the school.
The Maths teachers have all completed the full program and passed their SACE (South African Council of Educators) assessments. They started to apply what they learned in class with their learners. The grade 5 Maths teacher, Mr. Sibusiso Ngubo whose learners enrolled onto the program first, was especially thankful.
In his feedback he said: “I am teaching grade 5 and I am using the My Maths Buddy dictionary and what I learned from the My Maths Buddy program. As my learners have a limit on their English I find that I must explain in simple terms the Maths words we use when teaching. And this is working for them. They often ask me “What does this word mean?” and they enjoy finding out. I have found that my teaching has become easier by using the My Maths Buddy.
Last year I also taught grade 5 and they are doing well this year in grade 6 according to their teachers. They have their own My Maths Buddy dictionaries from last year.”
– Mr. Sibusiso Ngubo Grade 5 Teacher at M.C Weiler Primary School
The success at the school is a testament not only to the My Maths Buddy program but also to the Maths teachers’ dedication in their application of the skills they learned and caring enough for their learners to create a positive change.
It is a testament to the true dedication and persistence of an amazing group of professionals. Lombard Insurance’s Executives and Staff, staying true to their goals of bringing quality Maths education to our communities. Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.
THIS COUNTRY IS BETTER BECAUSE OF YOU!
And now in 2025, we are launching the next project into Thulisa Primary school in Katlehong. The principal and teachers are excited and eager to get started. The Due Diligence phase is already underway, and we are getting ready for a very productive 2026! Watch this space for more good news!
