by Lisa Moralee
Babsy Matabane, District Director of the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), commented that the educators participating in the ORT SA – Bidvest Foundation Phase Project are “laying a solid foundation in Mathematics for the young learners in Alexandra.”
In recognition of this ORT SA held a dinner at the HOD on November 29 to congratulate the educators and thank the partners involved. During the course of the evening Amakhono We Sintu Art Entertainment provided vibrant musical entertainment for the guests.
Those in attendance included GDE representatives; Alma Berger, Senior Manager of Bidvest; Jack Garb, MD of JADE Education and a pioneer in bringing Singapore’s Maths programme to South Africa; as well as members of ORT SA’s National Executive Committee.
Since 2008 ORT SA, together with Bidvest and the GDE, have implemented the Numeracy Foundation Phase Project in Alexandra Township. The project has been rolled out in 12 Primary Schools in Alexandra. Half of the schools use the Singapore programme, while the other half are trained using a South African Maths for All Programme.
Educators have expressed great appreciation for the project, not only because they feel more confident to teach the subject, but also because the learners have shown great improvement. JET Educational Services has conducted several evaluations of the project over the last 3 years. Results show a significant improvement in the learners’ numerical ability.
“Some of our schools in Alexandra are implementing exactly the same Mathematics programme as those used in some of our leading independent schools, and more importantly maintaining the same standard of work as the learners in these schools,” says Matabane, who was the guest speaker at this prestigious function.
Matabane expressed pride in the fact that “the standard of Numeracy teaching in Alexandra has improved in leaps and bounds.” The initiative has changed the face of Mathematics in Alexandra and its success has prompted Bidvest to fund the project for another 4 years. This means that the 12 Alexandra Primary Schools will receive training and support up to Grade 7.
Flaki Betty Ramothata, principal of M.C. Weiler Primary School, gave thanks for helping Alexandra to become the “first to use the best Maths methodology”. She believes that the programme will help the learners to become the best. As a result of the assistance received and the Singapore methodology, Ramothata says that as a teacher you can say “now I know where we are heading”. “The books help to spot challenges and talents, which ultimately will help them to become the best”.
To further enhance educator support, ORT SA has formulated a Mentorship Programme, which is designed around developing skills, such as conflict management and teambuilding. The Mentorship Programme has been running since the beginning of the year and has proved to be a valuable tool.
“We are what we are because of your support” says Matshidiso Mokwena. The Maths for All programme has made a difference to Mokwena and her learners as “before the project we were hitting a brick wall.”
After receiving support from the project, the educators and learners have developed a great passion for the subject. She thanked project sponsors and supporters by saying “a mentor, a friend is someone who can catch your hand and touch your heart, this is what the GDE and ORT SA are doing”.
Irwin Lipworth, ORT SA Chairman, believes that “it takes all the pieces of the puzzle make the project work”. He thanked Bidvest for their hands on approach, JET Educational Services for their dedication and the GDE for their ongoing support.
After the educators received their awards for attendance in the Numeracy and Mentorship Course, Lipworth praised their enthusiasm and hard work. “May the next 4 years be as successful as the last 3 years.”
Ort - The performers from Amakhono We Sintu Art Entertainment.JPG
