Umoya Energy, a leading energy company in South Africa, has sponsored seven mathematics teachers and 335 Grade 9 and 10 learners through the My Maths Buddy 1 book Learner Project.
This is an initiative of the South African Maths Foundation. The delivery took place at Steynville Secondary School in Piketberg from Monday 17 to Thursday 20 April.
The sponsored maths teachers received teacher kits, which included work books and interactive activities aimed at enhancing their teaching methods and making mathematics education more engaging and fun. The learner kits consisted of the My Maths Buddy Math dictionary, which is a key tool to assist learners in improving their math results.
The Umoya Energy local director was present on the first day of the delivery to offer the learners some words of motivation as they geared up to start the new programme. The four-day event was an opportunity for the teachers to upskill themselves and learn new techniques for teaching mathematics, while the learners were introduced to the My Maths Buddy programme and how it can help them improve their mathematical skills.
The My Maths Buddy programme is designed to provide learners with a strong foundation in the subject by providing access to quality learning materials and resources. By supporting this initiative, Umoya Energy is contributing to the development of critical skills in learners that will prepare them for success in higher education and future careers.
During the seminar participating teachers gave feedback. One said a teacher can get caught up with the calculations and their correctness. “One forgets how important the language of mathematics is and every term must be understood correctly,” they said. “I also learnt to be aware of the learner’s body language and that it can call for action.”
Another teacher said the seminar was very helpful. “As a beginner teacher who still has tons to learn I realised children learn in different ways and at different paces, especially maths, so it is important to know your child in the maths class. This includes weaknesses as well as strengths.”
Umoya Energy believes the sponsorship showcased the importance of corporate social responsibility and how it can contribute to improving maths education in South Africa. It believes the sponsorship will undoubtedly have a positive impact on teachers and learners.
