Math Olympiad boosts confidence in subject among learners
Promoting science and maths
Educators are committed to foster a love of maths and science among young Namibian learners.
Nearly 30 learners from grades one to three recently participated in the regional math olympiad at Suiderhof Primary School's hall.The event aimed to improve numeracy skills amid concerns that young learners are struggling with mathematics to the extent that they may need to repeat a grade.
The olympiad is one of the solutions the education ministry has supported to counter this trend.
Deputy director of education Paulus Lewin explained that one of the biggest factors contributing to a learner's success is their educator.
“If a teacher can teach our children properly, they should never have a reason to repeat [a grade],” he said.
He added that the primary goal of the olympiads is to promote positive attitudes toward mathematics, with the false belief that math is only for 'smart people' having taken root.
“We have developed a fear for mathematics that keeps us frightened and impoverished,” Lewin said.
Anyone can do maths, he emphasised. “How else will you calculate your NamRA tax returns,” he joked.
Twin tournaments
On 10 October, a science quiz was held at Suiderhof Primary School, which served as a sister competition to the math olympiad.
The science quiz aimed to improve grade four to seven learners’ understanding of science and social events.
While the science quiz focused on history, science and current events questions, the math olympiad asked questions to test the learners’ understanding of shapes, times, multiplication, addition and subtraction and division.
The winners
Math Olympiad
Grade 1: Kelen Mungaza from Eros Primary School
Grade 2: Kamwi Siseho from Windhoek Central Private School
Grade 3: Kiyan Chikunbirike from Windhoek Central Private School
Science Quiz
Grade 4: Laudika Haimbodi from Windhoek Central Private School
Grade 5: Nelson Haitengi from Martti Ahtisaari Primary School
Grade 6: Lesley-Ann //Hoebes from Orban Primary School
Grade 7: Sirkka Malima from Cimbebasia Primary School