Western Cape teachers celebrated for advancing literacy and numeracy at Funda Wande partnership event
The event brought together hundreds of Foundation Phase teachers, subject advisors, and education leaders from across the province to reflect on progress in literacy, numeracy instruction and to recognise the teachers advancing this work every day in classrooms.
Western Cape Teachers were celebrated for Advancing Literacy and Numeracy at Funda Wande Partnership Event.
Image: Supplied
Funda Wande and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) have marked an important milestone in their partnership to strengthen foundational learning with the successful “Scaling Quality Education: The Role of Teachers” event, held on Saturday, 18 October at Kelvin Grove in Cape Town.
The event brought together hundreds of Foundation Phase teachers, subject advisors, and education leaders from across the province to reflect on progress in literacy, numeracy instruction and to recognise the teachers advancing this work every day in classrooms.
The occasion builds on a growing collaboration between Funda Wande and the WCED to implement structured Home Language literacy programmes in Afrikaans and isiXhosa, as well as the forthcoming Bala Wande numeracy pilot launching in 2026. The partnership focuses on practical teacher support through training, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), and evidence-based materials aimed at improving classroom practice and learner outcomes.
Delivering the opening address, Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier emphasised the central role of educators in improving quality education across the province.
“Teachers are our department’s most valuable assets; however, it can now be said that teachers are the province’s most valuable asset,” said Minister Maynier. “Their commitment, creativity, and care lie at the heart of quality education in the Western Cape.”
Portia October, Funda Wande’s Lead for the Western Cape Intervention, noted the spirit of the event:
“Today was not only about saying thank you it was about truly recognising who teachers are, the work they do, and allowing them to feel valued as they continue shaping our classrooms and communities.”
Throughout the day, participants engaged in learning sessions, recognition ceremonies, and discussions on sustaining teacher development through PLCs. The event reinforced the shared goal of ensuring that every child in the Western Cape can read for meaning and calculate with confidence by the age of ten.
Funda Wande and the WCED urge educators, partners, and communities to continue building on this progress through stronger collaboration and support for quality foundational learning.