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 On Thursday, 19 May 2011, the KZN Shell/Maths Centre Rally to Numeracy Project was officially launched at the Malangeni Community Hall. The 10 project schools are situated in the Ugu District, Scottburgh Circuit and Umdoni Ward. Representatives from all project schools, Department of Education Officials, staff from Shell SA and staff from the Maths Centre were present. The 51 attendees were initially addressed by the CEO of the Maths Centre, Sharanjeet Shan. Ms Shan began her address with an interesting geometry problem. The audience initially grappled with the problem but after prompts and guidance by the CEO the pattern was discovered and the solution realised. Educators soon realised how important it is to explain concepts clearly so that learners understand the terminology. In her presentation, the educators were shown how the cumulative gaps of learners impacted on their performance in the Grade 12 examinations.
Teachers were encouraged to commit to the "one teacher-one classroom" motto. They were informed that they need to take responsibility for their classrooms. A little cleaning, painting and updating of displays, old cupboards, using some new resources and learning materials will go a long way to create classrooms conducive to learning, as part of the Maths Centre numeracy hub programme.
In his address, Elton Fortuin, the communications Manager for Shell SA, emphasized the importance of addressing the skills shortage in SA. Shell SA decided to address this by embarking on this project in partnership with the Maths Centre. The project will run for 3 years, with teacher and learner support together with material support. Educators were encouraged to commit to the project in order to improve the lives of their learners.
Ms. Sindi Zakuza, the Deputy Chief Education Specialist from the Maths General Education and Training Band, encouraged all educators to take charge of their learning and to uplift the communities in which they teach. It is only through this support and guidance that communities will prosper. She thanked Shell SA and the Maths Centre for bringing the project to their schools and promised full support from the Department of Education.
At the end of the function each school representative received a Foundation Phase Maths Kit and an Intermediate Phase Kit. Schools were informed that more kits, textbooks and interactive Maths DVD's sponsored by Shell SA will be delivered to them.
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| Representatives from the 10 schools together with the CEO of the Maths Centre, Sharanjeet Shan and Sinenhlanhla Melane from Shell SA first lady on the left |
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| Ms. N Ndlovu educator from Celokuhle Primary receiving a Maths kit from Elton Fortuin, communications Manager of Shell SA |
This article submitted by:
Nombuyiselo Mbatha
Maths Centre
KwaZulu Natal |
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Kind Regards
Dheran.