Transforming
education
together
Optima is an education trust committed to improving the quality of basic education and learner outcomes through three strategic focus areas:
Building capabilities in early grade learning
Strengthening initial teacher education
Advancing research in early grade learning
We work thoughtfully and pragmatically to give every school child in South Africa a strong foundation.
Optima is an education trust committed to improving the quality of basic education and learner outcomes through three strategic focus areas:
Building capabilities in early grade learning
Strengthening initial teacher education
Advancing research in early grade learning
We work thoughtfully and pragmatically to give every school child in South Africa a strong foundation.
Why early education?
The foundation of a child’s learning journey is built in their earliest years. Research shows that learning deficits in later grades most often stem from gaps in the foundational years – Grades 0 to 3. And it becomes increasingly difficult to make up for these gaps as a child moves through the education system.
By prioritising early grade learning, we aim to make a meaningful impact where it matters most. When children can read for meaning and calculate confidently, they develop the skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.
Why early education?
The foundation of a child’s learning journey is built in their earliest years. Research shows that learning deficits in later grades most often stem from gaps in the foundational years – Grades 0 to 3. And it becomes increasingly difficult to make up for these gaps as a child moves through the education system.
By prioritising early grade learning, we aim to make a meaningful impact where it matters most. When children can read for meaning and calculate confidently, they develop the skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.
Transforming education is a collective effort
To achieve the systemic shifts needed to improve education outcomes at scale requires a multi-faceted approach. Which is why we work alongside teachers, donors, implementing organisations, research institutions, and government to comprehensively tackle challenges and explore opportunities.
We believe that together we can drive the change needed in the education system.
We are focused on practical solutions
For nearly two decades, we’ve been deeply committed to improving education – through strategic investments in programmes that directly improve learning outcomes as well as high-impact initiatives that strengthen the pipeline of well-trained teachers.
Throughout the years, our approach has been rooted in evidence, data-backed learnings, collaboration with other sector leaders, and building long-term sustainability.
We are focused on practical solutions
For nearly two decades, we’ve been deeply committed to improving education – through strategic investments in programmes that directly improve learning outcomes as well as high-impact initiatives that strengthen the pipeline of well-trained teachers.
Throughout the years, our approach has been rooted in evidence, data-backed learnings, collaboration with other sector leaders, and building long-term sustainability.
