From Teaching to Game-Changing Education: The Inspiring Journey of Hannah Barnes

This is the story of Dr Hannah Barnes, a passionate educator from South Africa whose journey from teaching in traditional classrooms to developing game-changing educational resources has left an indelible mark on the world of education. Hannah was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, where she developed a love for learning and a passion for teaching from an early age. From her humble beginnings in a public school, she navigated various challenges and setbacks, always fuelled by her unwavering determination to make a difference in education. 

After completing her schooling, Hannah harboured aspirations of becoming a personal manager. However, the lack of financial resources to pursue higher education did not deter her. Instead, she found an alternative path by securing a bursary for teaching, a decision that would shape her career trajectory in ways she could have never imagined. Her journey into the world of education led her to pursue a BA in Education, followed by higher diplomas and postgraduate studies in education. Her expertise in mathematics and her love for languages, particularly Northern Sotho and French, set the stage for a career filled with diverse teaching experiences. 

Hannah found herself teaching mathematics and French at a prominent high school in Pretoria, a role that would define the next seven years of her career. Her passion for education and her innate ability to inspire and motivate her students propelled her into leadership roles, where she played a pivotal part in reshaping the educational landscape of the institution. However, the turning point in Hannah's career came when she was presented with an opportunity to co-author a mathematics book, a project that would set her on a path of innovation and transformative education. 

This marked the beginning of a series of achievements, including writing best-selling math books and being recognised as a leading voice in the field of mathematics education. Following her tenure at the high school, Hannah continued to impact the education sector through lecturing at the University of Pretoria. Her dedication to her craft and innovative teaching methodologies positioned her as a thought leader in education, inspiring a new generation of educators and shaping the future of learning. In 2013, Hannah made a significant shift in her career by transitioning to Hoedspruit, where she continued to make meaningful contributions to education. 

The journey started in 2013 with the initiation of extra maths lessons for Eco Children bursary students. In 2016, intermediate phase teacher training math workshops became a turning point in her career. The workshops resulted in a noticeable improvement in class percentages and drew the attention of district officials. The scope of the workshops expanded to include more districts, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for the workshops shifted to Kapama Game Reserve. This led to the establishment of Bush Maths, a consultancy born out of a passion for education and the bush. However, the onset of the pandemic led to a loss of work. 

During the unprecedented challenges brought about by the global pandemic, Hannah demonstrated her resilience and adaptability. In response to the educational disruptions caused by COVID-19, she identified a critical need for reimagining early childhood education. She launched Young Game Changers, a revolutionary play-based and impactful learning approach. Young Game Changers represents a paradigm shift in education, focusing on problem-solving, financial literacy, and sustainability as its core pillars. 

This prompted the development of educational resources, including the Young Game Changers cards, to promote number sense development and problem-solving skills among young learners. The Young Game Changers initiative encompasses academic, financial literacy, and sustainability pillars, with over 50 games designed for Grade R teachers. Bush Maths continues to serve as a consultancy for higher grades, while Young Game Changers has evolved to become part of the Early Childhood Development foundation phase. The vision is to cultivate play-based learning and classroom culture while providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children. 

Through a series of innovative games and resources, Hannah has addressed critical gaps in early childhood development and provided a platform for children to cultivate essential skills in a fun and engaging manner. Furthermore, Hannah has extended her vision for inclusive and quality education through initiatives like Toys4Trash, emphasising the importance of enriching learning experiences for children from all walks of life. Her commitment to educational equity and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education continue to drive her work forward. 

“The collaborative efforts with Eco Children have been integral to this journey, highlighting the shared ethos of community and sustainability. The experience of witnessing the community involvement in school gardens and the ethos of sharing within the Eco Children community has been particularly inspiring.” 



As Hannah looks to the future, her aspirations transcend individual accomplishments, focusing on the enduring impact she envisions for the next generation of learners. Her innovative approach to education, coupled with her unrelenting passion for creating positive change, inspires educators and learners alike in South Africa and beyond. Hannah’s journey exemplifies the profound impact that one individual can have on the world of education. 

Her story, from overcoming adversity to pioneering transformative educational initiatives, is a testament to the boundless potential of dedicated and visionary educators. As we navigate the complexities of the modern educational landscape, Hannah's journey stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the enduring power of education to shape a brighter future for all.