Wednesday 6 March 2019 saw the launch of the Stellenzicht Mathematics Programme at Stellenzicht Secondary School.
The programme is an initiative of the Friends of Stellenzicht Trust and is generously sponsored by Ducharme Consulting.
The message that came across strongly during the evening’s programme is that too many learners today are reluctant to take pure maths as a school subject.
This can close doors to potential study and career opportunities. Parents and educators need to encourage children to break away from the misconception that maths is only for some and not accessible to all.
The Stellenzicht Mathematics Programme gives Grade 10 to 12 learners access to full-time, pure maths educator Edwin Schroeder. “It is a myth that maths is only for some,” he said. “Maths is for everyone.”
Former Stellenzicht learner and maths teacher Charlene Taurijo shared her own journey at the launch. As a child she had to study by candlelight in a home environment that was not conducive to a bright future – surrounded by drug and alcohol abuse. The family had no access to electricity or sanitation.
Despite the odds, Taurijo graduated top of her class, and made the decision that she would one day provide her children with a better life than the one she had, growing up.
Today she teaches maths at Weber Gedenk Primary School, where she is also Acting Deputy Principal.
Friends of Stellenzicht has initiated several projects at the school, including a reading programme and computer literacy project.
“There is plenty of potential at Stellenzicht,” says Dale Simons, founder of the Trust.
“Let us keep on believing and hoping. Come and join us on this journey. We make new friends every day and we can only do this together.”
