Nestlé Nespray launches iPlug Yes’kolo

NESTLÉ NESPRAY has announced a campaign with Sandile Mathebula, the internationally acclaimed and award-winning Maths teacher from KwaZulu Natal.

The campaign is named “iPlug Yes’kolo, U learn, I learn” and aims to provide, step-by-step solutions focused on Maths concepts taught in the mainstream curriculum for grades four to seven aimed at parents, caregivers and learners and delivered in video format.

The concepts include whole numbers in multiplication and division for Grades four and five, common fractions for Grade six, and Integers numbers for Grade seven.

“We are proud to be partnering with Mathebula on this initiative, as part of our commitment to supporting cognitive development and education in South Africa,” says Sandile Mathebula.

“NESTLÉ NESPRAY believes Maths empowers school-going children to become independent, creative, and critical thinkers who can interpret and critically analyse everyday situations that will allow them to solve problems. The performance of learners in primary school Maths remains a concern for many caregivers and teachers. We see this through the quality of results at lower level and the continued challenge we face in the development of learners doing the subject at secondary school.”

Common Maths problems children face

Five common Maths problems learners face include:

1. Fractions: A fraction represents a part of a whole or a group. It consists of a numerator (the number above the fraction line) and a denominator (the number below the fraction line), separated by the fraction bar. Fractions can be used to represent numbers that are not whole, but rather parts of a whole or a group.
2. Integers: Integers are whole numbers (positive, negative, or zero) that do not have any fractional or decimal parts. They can be represented on a number line and can be used to count objects or quantities that are not fractions or decimals.
3. Word problems: Word problems are mathematical problems that are presented in a written or verbal form, rather than in a purely mathematical format. They usually involve real-world scenarios and require the use of mathematical concepts and operations to solve.
4. Algebra: Algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with the manipulation of symbols and equations to solve problems. It involves the use of variables, which represent unknown quantities, and algebraic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to solve equations.
5. Whole numbers: Whole numbers are non-negative integers (i.e., positive integers and zero) that do not have any fractional or decimal parts. They can be used to count objects or quantities that are not fractions or decimals, and they can also be represented on a number line.

Moreover, Sandile also pointed out additional challenges that contribute to the problems mentioned above, such as:

1. Bad perception of the Maths subject (i.e Maths is not for everyone but for people with high IQs),
2. Varying or difficult methods or procedures
3. Lack of resources (textbooks, shared workbooks)
4. Lack of support and discouragement from caregivers due to a lack of understanding

Science, technology, engineering, and business

NESTLÉ NESPRAY offers nutritional value that supports cognitive development and hence is a partner for learning.

Similarly, iPlug Yes’kolo comes in as a partner in dealing with those fundamentals in a subject that is essential for success in many areas of life, including science, technology, engineering, and business.

“Through iPlug Yes’kolo, we hope to inspire and empower learners to develop a love for Math’s and the confidence to excel in their studies,” says Taku Mupfurutsa, Business Executive Officer, Dairy at Nestle East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR).

Pongola-born Mathebula’s (also known as Maths – Son), love for the subject was sparked while he was still a learner, and his dedication to hard work and passion for Maths have earned him multiple awards, including Best Maths Teacher at the 2022 Global Teachers Awards in India and recently, Best Teacher in the Mathematics category at the 2023 Global Teachers Award in Dubai.

Commenting on this campaign Mathebula explains, “I am excited to be partnering with NESTLÉ NESPRAY on this exciting campaign, and I believe it will help caregivers in connecting with and empowering their kids during Maths homework. It will also serve as a refresher for the caregivers while also helping the children.”

“In-depth research in the education sector has, over the years, highlighted critical gaps in Maths education support, such as varying socioeconomic backgrounds, quality of education, and access to resources. This campaign seeks to bridge these gaps and provide support to learners and caregivers. Each lesson is 90 seconds or less, making the video easy to watch and re-watch until the concept is mastered, making after-school homework a more manageable task,” concludes Mupfurutsa.

iPlug Yes’kolo, U Learn, I Learn Maths videos can be accessed on the NESTLÉ NESPRAY website at www.nespray.co.za and shareable on platforms like WhatsApp.