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Mat 'land educationists launch Maths Association

 

 

EDUCATIONISTS from the Matabeleland region yesterday launched the Matabeleland Mathematics Association (Matma) in a bid to promote the teaching of the subject at schools and also improve pass rates.

The development comes following an outcry over poor Mathematics passes from schools in the region.The low pass rate in Mathematics has made it difficult for pupils from this part of the country to get places at tertiary institutions dotted around the country where subject is a major requirement.

The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart, officially launched the new organisation at a ceremony held at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust).

The launch was attended by Nust Vice Chancellor Professor Lindela Ndlovu and senior university staff members, provincial education directors from Matabeleland North and South as well as college principals and heads of schools in Bulawayo.

In his speech, Minister Coltart said the initiative was the first of its kind in the country and commended educators from the region for being pro-active.

"This is an important day for Matabeleland region in general and Nust in particular because Matma is the first ever regional Mathematics organisation that will be coordinating all Mathematics activities in our three provinces, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South," said Minister Coltart.

"The formation of Matma is an initiative of concerned members of the society, academics, teachers and others who have Mathematics at heart."

Minister Coltart expressed concern over low enrolment of students from Matabeleland region at different institutions of higher learning in the country and said this was because most pupils do not have Mathematics at Ordinary Level.

He said the development was also responsible for the shortage of qualified Mathematics teachers in schools as there were few people who train as teachers for the subject.

Minister Coltart commended Nust for partnering with the educators and the ministry in responding to educational problems in the region.

He pledged Government commitment towards supporting the initiative and said his ministry would help in lobbying for partnership from development partners.

In his address, Prof Ndlovu said promoting improved teaching of Mathematics would give impetus to the development of education.

"The advancement and perfection of Mathematics are intimately connected with the prosperity of the State," said Prof Ndlovu quoting the French revolutionary leader Napoleon Bonaparte.

Matma chairperson Dr Senelani Dorothy Hove-Musekwa said the new organisation's mission was to stimulate mathematical thinking in Matabeleland and revitalise the teaching of the subject in schools.

United College of Education principal Mr Sipho Moyo expressed optimism that the initiative would result in improved passes in Mathematics.

Provincial education directors in the three provinces applauded the initiative and called for the spreading of the programme to cater for pupils in remote areas.

Matabeleland South director Mrs Tumisang Thabela expressed hope that the programme would help reverse the effects of the brain drain and increase interest in Mathematics.

Her Matabeleland North counterpart Mrs Boithatelo Mnguni said the programme should be broadened to also promote teaching of science subjects such as Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Bulawayo provincial education director Mr Dan Moyo said he expected the programme to generate pupils' interest in science subjects and help them achieve their maximum potential.

Nust's director of information and public relations Mr Felix Moyo called for comprehensive stakeholder involvement and appealed for funding from development partners.

"There is a need to give this association all the support it deserves because what it stands for is at the heart of our lives. The Government and other development partners should also assist us," said Mr Moyo.

Nust's Dean of Faculty of Applied Sciences Dr Dumisani John Hlatshwayo urged stakeholders to take the programme seriously and called on the Government to make a positive discrimination in giving higher salaries for Mathematics and Science teachers as a form of incentive.

Nust is already coordinating another sensitisation programme under the banner of Schools Enrichment Programme (NustSep) in which lecturers meet pupils and teachers in knowledge sharing at different strategic centres.