2006
Our beginning
Optima’s journey began in 2006 when three independent trusts were established by Anglo American, drawing their income from Anglo American dividends. Operating as a single entity, the trusts have consistently maintained a focus on basic education.
Early focus: mathematics in secondary schools
From the outset, we focused on making impactful, strategic investments in education, particularly in mathematics for secondary schools. For over 15 years we worked to increase the number of African learners achieving high-quality mathematics results in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, enabling access to tertiary education.
2012
Expanding to teacher education
We broadened our focus to include initial teacher education. The Teacher Learnership Programme was designed to equip future secondary school teachers in mathematics, science, and English. This initiative aimed to strengthen the pipeline of well-trained teachers, especially in the schools engaged with the Maths Challenge Programme.
2018
Addressing inequities
After a review of the Maths Challenge Programme, the Optima Board committed to increasing support for under-resourced Quintile 1 to 3 schools, which face significant systemic inequalities.
2022
A new focus: early grade education
A significant endowment allowed Optima to reassess its strategy. After 18 months of research and consultations with experts, we made a pivotal decision to shift our focus from secondary education to early grade learning, with the purpose of giving every schoolchild a strong foundation.
Today
Our commitment
We are dedicated to addressing systemic challenges in basic education, specifically in the foundation phase (Grades 0 to 3), ensuring that every schoolchild in South Africa has the chance to succeed.
2006
Our beginning
Optima’s journey began in 2006 when three independent trusts were established by Anglo American, drawing their income from Anglo American dividends. Operating as a single entity, the trusts have consistently maintained a focus on basic education.
Early focus: mathematics in secondary schools
From the outset, we focused on making impactful, strategic investments in education, particularly in mathematics for secondary schools. For over 15 years we worked to increase the number of African learners achieving high-quality mathematics results in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, enabling access to tertiary education.
2012
Expanding to teacher education
We broadened our focus to include initial teacher education. The Teacher Learnership Programme was designed to equip future secondary school teachers in mathematics, science, and English. This initiative aimed to strengthen the pipeline of well-trained teachers, especially in the schools engaged with the Maths Challenge Programme.
2018
Addressing inequities
After a review of the Maths Challenge Programme, the Optima Board committed to increasing support for under-resourced Quintile 1 to 3 schools, which face significant systemic inequalities.
2022
A new focus: early grade education
A significant endowment allowed Optima to reassess its strategy. After 18 months of research and consultations with experts, we made a pivotal decision to shift our focus from secondary education to early grade learning, with the purpose of giving every schoolchild a strong foundation.
Today
Our commitment
We are dedicated to addressing systemic challenges in basic education, specifically in the foundation phase (Grades 0 to 3), ensuring that every schoolchild in South Africa has the chance to succeed.
