Maths whiz-kid makes Mzansi proud
Primary school pupils going on exchange event
Otshepeng Babeile is only 12, but she is raising the bar among her peers when it comes to mathematics and natural science subjects.
The petite girl from Unit 15 in Mahikeng, North West, is now preparing to conquer Europe when she travels to Italy on a mathematics and natural sciences exchange programme on November 30.
This was after the Grade 7 pupil was selected with 27 others who excelled in both subjects at Sol Plaatjie Primary to represent the school overseas.
Her father, Archie Babeile, said his daughter had always been a very active child, curious and always wanted to be in the lead.
“She is a vibrant child and likes the leading roles even when she plays with other children,” Babeile said.
Otshepeng, the second of four children in the family, said she was excited at her first ever long haul flight. She has flown locally before.
“I want to become a chemical engineer when I grow up and this trip will help me a lot,” she said.
She was grateful to her siblings for their support. They call themselves the “O Team” as their names start with “O” – Orefile, Otshepeng, Ororiseng and Oreabetse.
“This will be my first international trip and I am so excited. I’ll be flying not only the South African and Sol Plaatje Primary School flags high but I’ll also be representing the ‘O Team’ very well in Italy.”
Otshepeng will celebrate her birthday on January 12 by giving school shoes to needy kids at their church, a campaign she has carried out for the past five years.
This year she gave out 42 pairs of shoes which she asked her uncles, aunts and her circle of friends to donate.
“I believe that giving is what God wants all of us to do. It does not look good to see a fellow pupil without school shoes,” she said.
Her mother Modiegi praised her school: “The school is very good. It gives learners a good foundation and the teachers there always encourage learners to do their best.
“I think she was encouraged by her good teachers and the spirit of competition among her classmates.”
All the parents of the pupils formed a group to raise funds for the trip by washing cars and asking for donations. Each pupil has now paid R10 000 towards the trip.
“Flight tickets for all learners have been bought. But we’ve learnt about R50 000 is still needed for [their] accommodation in Italy,” Babeile said.