South Africa needs to improve its mathematics education. In the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS), South Africa scored third lowest in maths out of the 64 countries profiled at primary school level and second lowest at high school level of the 39 countries profiled. AECI Mining, in partnership with GrowZA (a social investment agency and registered NPO), hopes to improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Africa through providing essential resources and training to schools through the Strength in Numbers programme.

Thinus Bierman, Acting Executive Vice President at AECI Mining, says the Strength in Numbers Programme will equip participating schools with comprehensive training for both learners and educators, as well as supplying a bank of scientific calculators.

Thinus Bierman, Acting Executive Vice President at AECI Mining

 Why scientific calculators?

“Access to scientific calculators enables students to tackle challenging concepts, leading to improved academic performance,” says Bierman. “A study by the University of Fort Hare (UFH) highlighted significant improvements in math outcomes with proper training and resources, including scientific calculators. Proficiency in using these tools fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensures all learners have the resources they need to succeed, and helps teachers to deliver quality STEM education.”

The Fort Hare study found that the absence or inadequate competence in using calculators can lead to a loss of up to 15% of marks in Mathematics examinations. It also affects performance in other STEM subjects, including the sciences and economics.

Dinah Tsebe, Plant Manager at AECI Mining Chemicals Waltoo

“Skills in mathematics and science have a significant role to play in South Africa’s sustainable growth,” says Bierman. “We are dedicated to investing in the future of STEM education in Africa through providing essential resources and training, promoting sustainable development by encouraging skills for sustainable growth, and building a future-ready workforce by equipping students with competencies for the global economy. As a company working in industries that require STEM skills, we’re also future-proofing ourselves by investing in improving STEM education.”

Nellmapius Secondary in Gauteng

AECI Mining also offers bursaries, learnerships and training programmes, and Bierman encourages young people to explore these opportunities on their website.

The schools that recently participated in the Strength in Numbers programme with AECI Mining were:

23 July 2024: Phomolong Secondary and Kwabhekilanga Secondary – Gauteng

25 July 2024: Nellmapius Secondary – Gauteng

29 July 2024: Ngopoleng Secondary, Iketsetseng Comprehensive School and Thuto Lesedi Secondary –Sasolburg

31 July 2024: Mabogopedi Secondary – Rustenburg

5 August 2024: Mehlwana Secondary – Emalahleni

4 September 2024: Strelitzia Secondary School and Kwamakhutha Secondary – Amanzimtoti

Phomolong Secondary School in Tembisa