Initiative adds to children’s education
"In a world that is advancing at the speed of light in terms of technology, mathematics must be taught differently to produce a society capable of compensating for the skills shortage."
“After 21 years in a democratic South Africa, many remain disenfranchised. Among the most severely affected are the youth. Many of these youngsters have difficulties attending school. Of those who are able to attend, school subjects such as mathematics, science and accounting are shunned.”
These are the sentiments of the founder of the Original Mathematics Initiative (OMI), Mr Kahlil Malik Muhammad.
Mr Muhammad spoke during an exclusive interview with The Tembisan recently, and explained that school pupils have found these subjects difficult due, in part, to their fear of calculations, computations, fractions, geometry, algebra and problem solving.
“In a world that is advancing at the speed of light in terms of technology, mathematics must be taught differently to produce a society capable of compensating for the skills shortage. Moreover, mathematics is the mother of all sciences and is necessary for those students who aspire to be doctors, engineers, architects, accountants, IT professionals or actuaries.
“A poor grasp of mathematics will keep South Africa dependent on foreign nationals to provide specialised skills,” said Mr Muhammad.
Mr Muhammad has established a mathematics intervention programme that is currently benefiting four secondary schools in Tembisa and one in Actonville in Benoni.
The five senior phase levels were chosen because they are disadvantaged and their principals’ proven track record were viewed as an asset.
The Tembisa schools are Bokamoso, Ingqayisivele, Tembisa High and Thutu-Ke-Matla Comprehensive School.
The pupils are taught various methods, techniques and procedures necessary for mathematical success by mastering the set assessment standards, level 1 (knowledge), level 2 (routine procedure), level 3 (complex procedure) and route to level 4 (problem solving).
“An intense level of homework will be assigned, marked, and analysed to ensure optimal results and the students will be informed of their progress in a timely manner. These pupils will be followed through to matric and assisted by various sponsors with bursaries and career guidance,” said Mr Muhammad.
Mr Muhammad said the ultimate aim is to improve their mathematics marks in high school, matric mathematics results, study techniques, self-esteem, life skills and reduce recidivism at the university level.
“The target market of our initiative is the general education phase. Our emphasis is on grade 8 and 9 classes in mathematics. We have adopted one class from four schools in both grades. Each class has an average of 45 pupils. These pupils are taught for approximately one hour after or during school hours. However, one class is taught per day,” said Mr Muhammad.
Mr Muhammad said their biggest challenge is to get sponsors on board in order to maintain the initiative.
“We are appealing for stable funding. Those connected to the Cooperate Social Initiative (CSI) and Social Economic Development (SED) are urged to sponsor the project. Any good Samaritan or business people are welcome,” said Mr Muhammad.
With a helping hand from sponsors, Mr Muhammad has managed to distribute scientific calculators, mathematics sets and basic calculators to several schools in Tembisa.
