21 Aug 2022

Plans are underway to start local preparatory competitions for the  Pan African Mathematics Olympiad at primary school level.

The aim is to expose pupils to the challenge at an early age to enable them to  compete effectively, Mathematical Association of Botswana (MAB).

president Mr Pogiso Itomeng has said.

Addressing guests at Friday’s event in honour of six learners who participated in this year’s olympiad which was held in Morocco June 19-28, he said the proposed development would only be possible through partners’ support.

The six, Gontlafetse Itebeng, Theo Ogorogile, Tafara Molife, Gaasite Sebetlela, Natasha Bobonong and Lone Rasebeka represented Moeng College, Materspei College, St Joseph’s College, Naledi Senior Secondary School and Letlhakane Senior Secondary School, he said.

 “We started with 172 students from across the country from junior and senior secondary schools eventually arriving at the top six students in mathematics in the country,” said Mr Itomeng.

Mr Itomeng explained that in preparation for Morocco, the six went into training camps organised by New Era College and were coached by University of Botswana Mathematics Department.

They also  received support from various other partners, he said.

The competition, he explained, was not syllabus based but rather tested and opened up   participants’  intellectual ability.

Learners were removed from the comfort of their classrooms and introduced to the real world of mathematics, said Mr Itomeng.

   Another speaker at the event, southern region principal education officer, Mr Shingile Malibala said the six were able to make it through the support of various sponsors who secured flight tickets, financed all other necessities for the trip including the expenses of the actual competition.

“We plead with sponsors to continue with their support,” he said. 

He said everyone who was involved either directly or indirectly in preparing for the competition from beginning to end deserved praise.

 “When we talk science, technology, engineering it is all about mathematics. We must be seen to be seriously promoting the uptake of mathematics related activities. I seriously on behalf of Ministry of Education and Skills Development commend partners in this project,” said Mr Malibala.

  Turning to the six learners, he said their participation in the olympiad was motivation for their peers.

 “Your achievement signifies total discipline,” said Mr Malibala further stressing that  in their  pursuit of excellence, they  should  be humble and disciplined.

He challenged the ministry, teachers, parents and other stakeholders to take an initiative in developing partnerships aimed at nurturing young minds. 

Emphasising the importance of such partnerships, Mr Malibala said educating a child required a tripartite approach where the school, parents and children joined hands.

However,  he said for the education sector to succeed, it needed the input of other stakeholders.  

“Form meaningful partnerships with the private sector and other potential partners in developing education,” he said.

   Mr Malibala said it was inspiring that MAB had partners in promoting the teaching of mathematics.

He observed that despite challenges, the organisation had grown in leaps and bounds.

  Mr Malibala appealed to the ministry to recognise efforts made by teachers in grooming future leaders.  

Meanwhile principal rducation officer for South East region, Ms Alletah Motlaleng recalled that the trip to Morocco was not easy as one of the learners only maanaged to secure a ticket at the eleventh hour.

Ms Motlaleng however said Botswana’s participation was made possible through the devotion of partners dedicated to empowering the young through mathematics.

Held annually, the prestigious event did not only cultivate interest in mathematics but also nurtured learners in pursuing courses in science, engineering and technology, she said.

Ms Motlaleng said Botswana’s participation in the olympiad dated back to 2018.BOPA