Friends’ NPO teaches maths
Aim to break barrier, inspire pupils and students
To succeed in studying mathematics there needs to be a solid foundation, curiosity, and drive.
This is what some university graduates who majored in mathematics are trying to instil in pupils and students following in their footsteps, and for those who find the subject difficult.
Sinesipho Witbooi, Mthabisi Mlunjwa, Nkululeko Zamela, Yandisa Royi and Mzwandile Solani all wanted to make a difference in their respective communities.
In 2018, they established a non-profit organisation named The Rise Mzantsi Academy.
The NPO provides maths classes to pupils from local schools with the aim of preparing them for university.
Witbooi said students from various universities in the Eastern Cape also offered extra classes to pupils when they had the time to do so.
Nothing brought Witbooi more joy during their three years of operation, he said, than witessing pupils fall in love with maths and pursueing it at university.
Witbooi said it had been his desire when he was a university student to help pupils or other students with maths classes.
“I was certain I could take all the skills and mathematical knowledge I had and invest it in the community I grew up in, and that the foundation I provide pupils with, would be valuable in their future,” he said.
He is optimistic that the NPO’s classes will pave the way for a better future for many young participants.
The NPO’s founders’ personal experiences had motivated them to make their NPO a success, he said.
Witbooi said many students were eager to join maths classes, but a fear of failing created a barrier.
Their goal is to inspire young people to take a leap of faith.
Witbooi said: “During our high school days, a number of students went to mathematics literacy, and there were only 30 of us in pure maths class, because they were told it was difficult and that no-one could do it.” Witbooi said they devoted three hours a week to each school in Dimbaza, Keiskammahoek and Alice.
Pupils who required assistance could contact them at any time.
He said they first started to mentor Grade 11 and 12 pupils but soon realised they needed to start from the lower grades.
“We used to mentor Grade 11 and 12 over the past years, but later realised that we needed to start from Grade 7 and 8, which is where a proper foundation is built.”
Yololwethu Oras, 21, who is pursuing a diploma in civil engineering at the University of Johannesburg, said the NPO’s classes had helped him develop a passion for mathematics.
“I picked mathematics and physics due to peer pressure in Grade 10, but subsequently realised that I wasn’t coping, which is when I decided to attend their lessons.
“Sinesipho has showed that the subject is all about liking it, comprehending it, and exhibiting curiosity,” Oras said. DispatchLIVE