IT solutions provider EOH has announced that it has undertaken to support a numeracy and natural science programme with the Maths Centre for Professional Teachers, commonly known as the Maths Centre, for the next three years.
This non-profit organisation has been in existence for the last 16 years, and aims to equip teachers, learners and parents countrywide with maths, science and technology learning materials and programmes to promote excellence in these subjects, from grades R to 12.
“EOH has committed several million rand to the Maths Centre programme. Twelve primary schools in the Ekurhuleni South district - six schools each in the Thokoza township and the Katlehong townships - will form part of the programme,” says Pumeza Bam, HR director at EOH.
In year one of the programme, the Maths Centre will roll out its methodology to the foundation phases (grades 1 to 3) of the 12 schools; in the second year it will roll out to the intermediate phases of the schools, that is grades 4, 5 and 6; and in the third year of the project, the project will roll out to Grade 7 in all the schools, coinciding with a review of the progress in grades 1 to 6.
How the Maths Centre works is that it:
* Ensures curriculum coverage in each grade;
* Identifies teacher gaps and improves teachers' conceptual knowledge in numeracy and natural science;
* Enhances learners' learning, by simplifying subject and lesson preparation, maximising the use of teaching time, creating an effective and conducive learning environment; and running ongoing quality assessment; and
* Improves management and delivery of teaching, learning and assessment.
Like most of the world, South Africa is in the grip of a severe skills drought. The local ICT sector, in particular, is in desperate need of skilled workers, with shortages placed by authorities at around 70 000. “This national ICT skills shortage will not only significantly limit the growth of this critical sector, but the economy as a whole,” says Asher Bohbot, CEO of EOH.
“The depressing 2009 matric results and the low numbers of students studying maths can only worsen the shortage of ICT skills facing the country,” he adds. Reports indicate that the 2009 matric pass rate showed a drop to 60.7%. Of those who wrote mathematics, only 45.9% achieved more than 40%.
“We hope to help spread the message that if you can achieve a good maths mark at school, ICT could be the career for you,” says Bam.
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