The Eskom Development Foundation has pledged support and made funding available to the Free State Mathematics Competition. The competition is run by the provincial Department of Education in partnership with Kagiso Trust, a non-government organisation with extensive experience in the development and design of education solutions aimed at improving school governance and leadership, curriculum delivery and infrastructure provision in schools.
Through the competition, the Department aims to stimulate interest and excitement in Mathematics amongst learners as well as to help improve their skills and performance in the subject. The competition starts at school level before progressing through three more levels – cluster, district and ultimately, the provincial finals. The top performers are selected in each round with eliminations occurring as it progresses.
The competition will run annually for the next three years, attracting 45 000 learners across the province per year. It focuses on conceptual knowledge, the application of knowledge in new situations, problem-solving, reasoning, communication and creative thinking. The questions are based on Grade 8 – 10 work and beyond.
The funding forms part of Eskom’s commitment to bringing about meaningful and sustainable development in South Africa’s communities. Eskom supports government’s continued efforts to improve socio-economic and community development. Amongst other things, the funding will go towards prizes including maths kits, vouchers, cell phones, tablets, power banks, medals, trophies, certificates, etc., which are awarded to winning learners, educators and schools.
Speaking at the competition’s inaugural prize giving ceremony on 19 October 2017 at Gonyane Primary School in Phahameng, Bloemfontein, acting CEO of the Eskom Development Foundation, Cecil Ramonotsi, said that Eskom is committed to helping the country in pursuing its developmental goals across many areas including education. “We support the government’s focus on skills development, training and education in order to provide young people with the skills to help South Africa prosper. We are thus proud to be the sponsor and to be associated with the Free State Grade 8 to 10 Mathematics Competition,” he said.
