In line with the “m for mathematics” („m jak matematyka”) strategy, mBank Foundation focuses its efforts on supporting educational programmes and promoting mathematics.
We strongly believe that mathematics provides the foundation for logical thinking and is vital to understanding the world around us. Knowing mathematics helps to take informed financial decisions and encourages interest in science. mBank believes that mathematics contributes to both personal professional success and the development of Poland’s economy.
In 2020, mBank allocated over PLN 2.3 million for the achievement of mFoundation’s statutory goals.
In 2020, we pursued our mission through:
- subsidising development projects in the area of mathematical education,
- “mPower” („mPotęga”) grant programme,
- “A Step into the Future” („Krok w przyszłość”), mFoundation’s award for the best student thesis in mathematics,
- distribution of the book and e-book entitled “Child’s Play Maths” („Dziecinnie prosta matematyka”),
- distribution of the e-book entitled “Known and Unknown: Great Polish Mathematicians. Math Lesson Plans and More” („Wielcy polscy matematycy znani i nieznani. Scenariusze lekcji matematyki i nie tylko”),
- partnership with and financial support for external initiatives promoting mathematics education – online “Festival of Mathematics” („Festiwal Matematyki”).
Publication of “Known and Unknown: Great Polish Mathematicians. Maths Lesson Plans and More” („Wielcy polscy matematycy znani i nieznani. Scenariusze lekcji matematyki i nie tylko”)
In 2020, we published a teacher’s book entitled “Known and Unknown: Great Polish Mathematicians. Math Lesson Plans and More” („Wielcy polscy matematycy znani i nieznani. Scenariusze lekcji matematyki i nie tylko”) in cooperation with the „Szkoła z Klasą” Foundation. The purpose of the book is to teach young people about notable, yet often unknown Polish mathematicians. The book consists of eight lesson plans which can be applied during mathematics, Polish literature and history classes, and form tutor meetings. The plans are based on the flipped classroom strategy and encourage teachers of various subjects to cooperate. They can be used in grades 4-8 of elementary school, and higher. The authors of the book were inspired by articles on famous Polish mathematicians published in the „Gazeta Wyborcza” daily and its supplement „Ale Historia” in 2019 (the Year of Mathematics) on the initiative of mFoundation.
Since November 2020, the book can be downloaded for free at www.mjakmatematyka.pl. The book has been downloaded over 2,000 times by the end of 2020.
“Child’s Play Maths” („Dziecinnie prosta matematyka”) – distribution of a new book published by mFoundation
At the end of 2019, we published a new book entitled “Child’s Play Maths” („Dziecinnie prosta matematyka”), dedicated for parents of children aged 0-6. It is a collection of inspiring games which parents can play with their children to familiarize them with maths from an early age. The activities are divided by age groups and adjusted to subsequent child development stages.
The book was first presented at the 6th edition of Mathematics Festival in November 2019. From February to July 2020, we made the book available in 312 mBank retail banking branches and mKiosks. Those interested in the book could order it for free and have it delivered to their chosen mBank branch. The digital version of the book was published in April.
Almost all copies of the book (nearly 50,000 of them) have been distributed. The digital version has been downloaded over 20,000 times.
Online Festival of Mathematics
The Festival of Mathematics, an educational event for children, parents and teachers, has been organised by mBank and „Gazeta Wyborcza” since 2014. In 2020, the 7th edition of the Festival was held online due to the pandemic.
At the heart of the project laid the “Mathematics Counts” („Matematyka się liczy”) website which has been supported through the communication channels of „Gazeta Wyborcza”. Beginning from mid-December, we published new educational materials prepared by “Gazeta Wyborcza”, “Wysokie Obcasy”, and guest experts, daily for two weeks. We organised online meetings, interviews, vlogs, online debates, and podcasts. All materials involved innovative, inspiring and effective methods for educating and teaching math.
“mPower” („mPotęga”) grant programme
The aim of “mPower”, mFoundation’s flagship grant programme, is to promote mathematics among elementary school students. We intend to encourage teachers, parents and maths enthusiasts to break the routine and think outside the box during math courses. mBank subsidises projects which creatively show children and teenagers that mathematics is highly useful in everyday life.
During the 7th edition of the programme which was organised in 2020, we granted a total of PLN 938,994.75 to 152 educational programmes from across Poland. Moreover, we granted PLN 5,000 to each of the two projects that received the largest number of votes in an online poll. Most grants have been awarded to schools in small towns located across the country. In this way, we contribute to creating equal opportunities for schoolchildren from small towns. We have estimated that the projects founded in 2020 had 13,000 direct recipients.