A proven intervention to the mathematics and youth unemployment crisis in South Africa.
“JumpStart is one of a few examples of South African early-grade mathematics interventions that have shown remarkable gains in learning outcomes”
Spaull & Taylor, (2022) Chapter 15 Early Grade Reading and Mathematics Interventions in South Africa
3 Programmes. One goal: to enable better opportunities for young people in South Africa.
Learner intervention:
Our mathematics programme is implemented from Grades R to 3, because we know that strong numeracy foundations mean better uptake of mathematics through to high school and beyond. Our NumberSense workbooks promote problem solving over memorisation and are taught in the learner’s mother tongue for better comprehension.
Teacher training:
Our mathematics programme is in partnership with Brombacher & Associates and Kelello Consultants. This support includes teaching strategies and resources, which helps teachers to better understand their own mathematics so they can pass on that understanding to their learners.
Youth employment programme:
We employ over 220 young adults every year as Educator Assistants (EAs) to assist in overcrowded classrooms. This is a win-win-win: these young adults gain meaningful work experience to prepare them for future career pathways. Learners and teachers have an extra person in class to help with one-on-one tutoring, marking and admin.
Our methodology shows measurable results. It's working!
We don’t go into underserved schools with good intentions and optimism alone. Our results must be measurable, so we know our programme is working and our donors and funders know their contributions are making a real impact. The JumpStart Foundation’s Monitoring and Evaluation platform, JumpTrak, tracks every learner on our programme in real time, helping teachers and Educator Assistants identify who is progressing and who may need support before they fall behind. This continuous, real-time feedback loop allows us to optimise and improve continuously, and the data shows that JumpStart learners consistently outperform their peers.
Trusted by partners who believe in measurable, real-world impact.
“The JumpStart Foundation fosters a culture of continuous learning, constantly refining their strategies based on implementation feedback and outcomes, demonstrating both responsiveness and innovation.”
Tshamani Mathebula
Head of Sasol Foundation
“JumpStart’s commitment to improving mathematics education is evident in the positive outcomes observed in the schools they support. Their innovative methods and dedication to fostering a love for mathematics have significantly enhanced learners mathematical skills and confidence.”
Lungi Gungubele
Education Manager, Old Mutual Foundation
“The JumpStart Foundation is leading important work to bring greater urgency, investment, and attention to early mathematics learning in South Africa.”
Ongeziwe Nxokwana
Innovation Manager, DG Murray Trust (DGMT)
“Together, we can future-proof mzansi's youth in a rapidly evolving digital world”
Lufuno Mthubi-Mthethwa,
Executive Director, The JumpStart Foundation
Can we count you in? Get in touch.
Whether you’re a donor, funder, education partner or organisation looking to support scalable change, we’d love to hear from you.