Our work
Systemic change requires strong, honest partnerships and an understanding that transformation takes time. By collaborating with like-minded donors, research institutions, implementing organisations, and government, we pool resources and expertise to address the complexities of the education sector.
Our focus is on supporting initiatives that drive lasting impact in early grade learning. Below are some key projects and partnerships we are proud to work with.
Our work
Systemic change requires strong, honest partnerships and an understanding that transformation takes time. By collaborating with like-minded donors, research institutions, implementing organisations, and government, we pool resources and expertise to address the complexities of the education sector.
Our focus is on supporting initiatives that drive lasting impact in early grade learning. Below are some key projects and partnerships we are proud to work with.
Building capabilities in early grade learning
Funda Uphumelele National Survey (FUNS)
The Funda Uphumelele National Survey was launched by the Department of Basic Education as a benchmarking initiative to establish key thresholds for early grade reading outcomes. These are developed in collaboration with linguists and foundation phase specialists, and funded by donors - including Optima. The survey aims to set and measure against standards for foundational literacy in all South African languages.
Foundational Learning Outcomes at Scale (FLOAT)
Launched in 2023, FLOAT is a collaborative effort to improve literacy and numeracy in South Africa by funding evidence-based interventions at scale. Optima is one of five core donors, working with the government towards the vision of South African children being literate and numerate by age 10.
Early Grade Reading Project II (EGRP II)
Optima supports the Early Grade Reading Project II (EGRP II), a two-year intervention managed by UNICEF and led by the Department of Basic Education. EGRP II, targets grades 1-3 teachers in no-fee Setswana schools in the Northern Cape. The programme provides a structured reading curriculum, lesson plans, learning and teaching support materials, training, and coaching to improve literacy.
Magic Classroom Collective (MCC)
In partnership with the Nelson Mandela Institute, we support the Magic Classroom Collective, a programme focused on enhancing early grade teaching in African language-dominant classrooms in rural Eastern Cape. Teachers receive learning and teaching support materials, coaching, training, and share insights in collaborative sessions hosted by the Nelson Mandela Institute.
Strengthening initial teacher education
Sesotho and isiZulu Reading Project (SIRP)
Optima funds the second phase of SIRP, which develops modules for teaching reading in Sesotho and IsiZulu in Bachelor of Education programmes. This phase focuses on supporting the adoption of these modules in Higher Education Institutions.
Primary Teacher Education (PrimTEd) 3.0
Optima funds PrimTEd 3.0, led by Kelello Collectives, which develops standardised assessments to measure student teachers’ knowledge in foundation phase literacy in IsiXhosa, Sepedi, and English as a First Additional Language, as well as mathematics. The project also facilitates communities of practice among lecturers to garner their support and inputs in the design and uptake of these assessments.
Advancing research on early grade learning
Supporting early & mid-career researchers
We provide resources to expand the pool of skilled early and mid-level researchers in education, and bolster the capacity of our partner organisations - the Nelson Mandela Institute, Kelello Collectives and the RESEP unit at Stellenbosch University.
Mixed-Method Investigation of Learning Assessment, Progression and Support (MILAPS)
Optima funds a five-year mixed-method research project led by the Research on Socioeconomic Policy (RESEP) unit at Stellenbosch University. The research is designed to provide critical insights into South Africa’s basic education system, particularly on learning losses, repetition rates and learning inequalities. Findings from the research will inform education policies and interventions.