Maths nightmare ends in good deeds in Sosh
“Learners end up thinking they cannot do well. They actually can."
The nightmare of maths and science has turned into a well of good deeds by a young Pretoria student.
Arriving at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2015, the perceptions of 21-year-old Sizwe Silinda changed after he majored in natural sciences.
Silinda, who has a background in mathematical literacy and tourism, now helps others who now struggle with maths and technology.
His non-profit organisation called Fundani Project was established in January this year.
It has 15 tutors and offers maths and technology lessons to senior phase learners from Hlanganani Secondary School in Soshanguve Block G.
Silinda said the project was inspired by the desire to break a stigma associated with maths and science.
The idea was to prepare learners for high school to help them get better matric results.
“We offer extra classes to learners on Saturdays from 08:00 in the morning until 11:00. We believe learners can do so much better if given time to catch up and improve,” said Silinda.
“The biggest challenge lies in our fast-paced teaching and learning style. It is usually hard for average and slow learners to catch up in topics that are difficult to understand. This is where they most need special attention,” said Silinda.
Silinda said the programme tackled problems and insecurities learners might have.
“Learners end up thinking they cannot do well. They actually can. If given extra lessons by someone who will deal with them on a one-on-one basis,” he said.
“I have seen changes with certain learners we are helping. Some are developing an interest for mathematics, which is what we need.”
Samukelwe Motha, a tutor, said being open to the learners had helped her a lot.
“You have to be friendly for the learners to open up,” said Motha.
“Maths is challenging but I have learnt that in as much as you help them, you must also leave certain equations to them and allow the learners to try until they get things right.”
Another tutor, Nomxoliso Mafate, said the project had taught her to be more creative as a teacher.
“Through constant interaction with the learners, I have learnt to come up with a variety of teaching styles in order to make sure that learners are better informed,” she said.
“I have also realised that domineering teaching is no way to teach a learner.”
Silinda said in future, he hoped to assist more learners from different schools around Soshanguve with the same opportunity.
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