Free maths lessons benefit Tembisa learners

A former mathematics teacher is giving free mathematical tuition to various schools in Tembisa, where productive learning is difficult for some students due to “overcrowded classrooms and overworked teachers”.

This initiative, called the Original Mathematics Initiative (OMI), initially offered private and paid extra lessons to students who struggled in the classroom to keep up with maths or wanted to improve their grades in the subject.

But soon the director and founder of OMI, Kahlil Muhammad, who is originally from America but now resides in Olifantsfontein with his wife, noticed there was a desperate need for extra maths tuition in some schools in the township. However, students could not afford to pay the tuition fees.

“I made a presentation to three schools in Tembisa, Tembisa High School, Zitikeni Secondary School and Ingqayizivele Secondary School. The principals were excited about the pilot programme but due to lack of finances, could not afford to pay for the learners to have the lessons, and neither could their parents.

“As a result of this, I made the decision to commence the maths programme on a volunteer basis.”

Muhammad tutors the children alone and plans lessons for them.

The students received Muhammad well and he began his lessons by taking on grades 8 and 9 students from these schools, each class comprising an average 55 students. Each lesson is 45 minutes to an hour long and tuition is done from Monday to Thursday.

After only two terms of these extra lessons, the students improved tremendously in their marks.

In 2012, only 75 per cent of the grade 8 students and 70 per cent of the grade 9 students passed mathematics, compared to 95 per cent (grade 8) and 98 per cent (grade 9) who passed in 2013.

“Overall, my students surpassed their grade averages by 10%.”

Muhammad has also distributed 720 scientific calculators to learners at five high schools and 49 basic calculators to one primary school. 320 mathematics sets have also been donated, which were bought with money raised from a banquet in Pretoria in 2012.

Additionally, seven schools have received the “Maths Ace” CD for teachers to use for their maths classes from grade 8 to matric.

“Consequently, these children now have access to several tools to use in the classroom as well as at home to study.”

Muhammad, who relocated to South Africa 10 years ago, believes in the ability of a solid maths foundation for everyone and that with mathematics, children can go on to make a big difference in the economy of this country.

“Mathematics is the mother of all sciences and opens doors for students that might have otherwise remained closed. Additionally, our primary goal is to equip students with additional tools, problem solving techniques and analytical strategies to foster continuing education and life-long learning.”

Muhammad not only believes in a good education, but also that love and attention should be given to children as a foundation before that education can be passed on.

“My journey with these youngsters has reminded me of the fact that children need the knowledge of self and love for their journey in life before effective teaching transpires. Once we give them the love and attention, their behaviour will improve and they will excel in class.”

More schools have been targeted around Tembisa, as Muhammad believes many schools in this township are disadvantaged and they are at least close to his home, so it is easier to make the trips.

The former educator studied engineering, applied mathematics, mathematics and education at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, USA.