UMTATA MLMMS EDUCATORS
Maths Curriculum Adviser – Ms. Nomonde Dabula
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Today, South Africa is among the nations of the world. Since the 1994 political breakthrough we appreciate the international participation in the socio-econo-political terrain but it should be borne in mind that we are still far behind other nations of the world, particularly in the science and technology arena. Though we have been hampered by the legacy of our Apartheid past, we must not remain hidden behind that legacy.
As educators we are faced with huge challenges that lie ahead of us. We must conquer them. It is our duty! The rate of mathematical illiteracy in our country is still at the helm of the hierarchy of all the probIems prevalent in this country.
Today, I feel very honoured to humbly acknowledge, on behalf of the educators in this district, and the country in general, this brilliant and progressive initiative of organising and executing such a wonderful workshop. It is a remarkable ambition – this process of building bridges instead of walls with other progressive countries of the world. Those who contemplated this initiative have brought us into a wider space and have enabled us to exercise our abilities. Without mentioning their names, we are so proud of them.
Our educators have gained a lot and are revived by the positive attitude that Teachers Without Borders- South Africa has displayed in the course of this workshop . The scientific approaches, strategies, and techniques that they have shared with us has built confidence in us – we feel that we can uplift the standard of mathematical literacy in our country. The love with which they have imparted knowledge, shared ideas, and their willingness to assist are all immeasurable and difficult to express in words. They skillfully demonstrated geometric and algebraic integration when solving probiems, and also showed respect to our ideas and responded with keen interest to our questions.
It is our wish as educators that workshops of this nature be carried out incessantly so that we can root out fear and mathematical illiteracy in our country. We also believe that endeavours of this kind shall contribute to the improvement of grade 12 results, particularly in the Eastern Cape.
In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen allow me to say, with the risk of appearing ridiculous, that the Teachers Without Borders have displayed a rare quality of love; not just the love for individuals but the love of humankind – something that is very very precious. With knowledge and love, we shall conquer the world.
MAHALO, ALOHA, SAYONARA, SHAKA, IMUA