
Time to Count evaluation shows real benefits to children and volunteers
Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) is delighted to publish an external evaluation of its Time to Count programme, kindly funded by the ESB Energy for Generations Fund.
The Time to Count programme, which began in 2013, aims is to build children’s confidence around numbers, reinforce their conceptual understanding around numbers and support them in mathematical problem solving. This is done by pairing companies with a 3rd class in a local DEIS school and company volunteers deliver 10 sessions with the class using maths games, activities and challenges.
This programme has grown exponentially since it began and is now nationwide. Many of the companies involved have celebrated 10 years and more of partnership, including ESB, which is a testament to the programme’s enduring success. In 2024, about 1,000 students participated through over 50 partnerships between businesses and schools.
Key findings from the external evaluation conducted by DCU found:
- High level of satisfaction with the programme from all participants.
- Teachers and volunteers were very positive about the impact of the programme on children’s confidence with numbers.
- The relationship with the volunteers was also a significant positive factor in developing social skills and confidence and in acting as role models.
- The programme delivers on reinforcing children’s conceptual understanding of numbers as well as other strands of mathematics, for example money management.
- The programme contributes to children’s perseverance in problem-solving.
- The programme covers all strands of the Primary Maths Curriculum and recommends an expansion of the programme’s objectives to include the social aspects of learning.
Andrea Lazenby Simpson, BITCI Head of Education said “The results of the evaluation conducted by DCU really reinforce the value and impact Time to Count has on children’s mathematical learning. But the gains in the child’s social skills and confidence are equally important. We see first-hand the positive evolving effect of the pupils / volunteer relationship over the course of the programme. It certainly contributes to companies including ESB remaining with this corporate volunteering opportunity. We’ve been partnering with ESB since 2013 with their staff nationwide.”
In 2025, BITCI celebrates its 25th anniversary and programmes such as Time to Count have been delivered since its inception. As leaders in sustainability and social inclusion, the partnering of corporate volunteers with local DEIS schools with the intent of addressing education disadvantage and achieve greater equity of opportunities is vital to BITCI’s social inclusion objectives.
Orla Gallagher, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, ESB said “As part of our commitment to social inclusion, ESB volunteers are proud to participate annually in the Business in the Community Ireland “Time to Count” programme, which focuses on enhancing numeracy skills among primary school children. This academic research has proven the significant benefits of this programme, reinforcing our dedication to education, employment, and addressing homelessness. Our volunteers find immense joy and fulfilment in contributing to this impactful initiative.”
The Time to Count programme is funded by An Post and the Department of Education (through the Dormant Accounts fund).
ENDS