Mathematics takes centre stage at Pimville school

SODA Education hosted a Mathematics competition at St Peter Claver Primary School in Pimville, Soweto, on September 18.

Under the theme “Rethinking Mathematics together”, the purpose of the competition was to bring Mathematics into play, as learners in the Foundation Phase learn best through creative play.

BEd student at the University of Johannesburg and Pimville community member Zou Sodinga shared that he is passionate about empowering young minds in the community and getting them to think on their feet. Because he is passionate about Mathematics and Science, he thought, why not come up with an initiative that would empower and benefit children?

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“My qualification specialises in the Foundation Phase and, with a background in quizzes, that sparked the idea of having quizzes and competitions. The competition gives learners who are not great at getting the right answers in class a challenge, including physical work, so that they can solve and get the correct answers, such as calculating using their thumbs and mentally solving sums,” said Sodinga.

The hall was filled with a sense of competitiveness as learners wanted to be recognised as winners while working as fast as they could to solve the sums.

The competition also incorporated the 4Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity, as the learners had to assist each other while working in groups, communicate and bring in creativity.

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Principal of St Peter Claver Primary School, Solly Molapisi, said: “When we were approached about our Grade Three learners participating in the Mathematics competition, without any hesitation I gave it the go-ahead.

“Education and teaching are not only confined to a teacher delivering a lesson plan, but learners participating in such activities get stimulated and challenged to think. When learners hear that there will be a competition, they all want to be winners and they will do anything to become a winner, in this case, prepare themselves.”

“I want to thank SODA Education and the team for making this day possible. This is more than just a competition or quiz; it is about developing our learners who will one day become doctors and engineers,” said Molapisi.

Sodinga is part of an internship at the Global Teachers Institute and, as a way of doing community work, his colleagues and supervisors came to support him and help make the day a success.

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Supervisor at the Global Teachers Institute, Solange Kabeya, told Urban Newspaper that she was not taken aback by the whole initiative, as future leaders (student teachers) are change agents in the community and are supposed to bring change and empower their communities through community service and by bringing such initiatives into local communities.

She shared that Sodinga, like many others, is a hard worker and that she has worked closely with him and seen the passion he has for young learners.

The session ended with all learners who participated receiving certificates of participation, while others received prizes for winning.

SODA Education also goes around schools and donates essentials such as uniforms to help keep learner in school.