An actuarial scientist has started a programme to teach parents mathematics skills in an effort to help them understand their children's homework better.
Tsietsi Ngobese, 26, has taken the unusual method of teaching mostly middle-aged women on the East Rand critical mathematics skills through his WeSolve4X programme to empower them to monitor their children's progress.
"We have now [this year] started tutoring learners from grade 4 to 12, specialising in maths and maths literacy on weekends where we give them extra lessons in our bid to help elevate the pass rate of the country in both public and private schools," he said.
Ngobese, who studied actuarial science at the University of the Free State, said growing up in Katlehong he did not get the best mathematics education, which affected him negatively in university.
"I've seen the whole spectrum and how the long-term effects of not getting a proper maths education can affect you. This is why we see so many learners taking years to finish their degrees because they have to learn critical skills missed from their primary and secondary education," he said.
In the parents master class which happens over the weekends, Ngobese and his team help parents understand the annual teaching plan for their children's specific grade.
"We teach them how to get involved in their child's education and increase parental involvement. Although parents make sure their kids go to school and have a uniform, beyond that they are not empowered on how they can assist. We teach parents how to understand maths through our formulas."
Ngobese said they have also added a grocery benefit for those who can afford it.
"We are offering the lessons at a charge of R250 a month if they can afford it. This comes with 12.5kg maize meal, 5kg rice, 2kg brown sugar, 2l cooking oil and baked beans... It is important to note that learners are taught regardless of whether they pay or not," he said.
Ngobese said any profit made from the benefit is used to compensate tutors for travel expenses. "We are already involved in six schools and want to grow to reach 1m learners," he said.
Nomvula Manqele, who has a child in matric, said the programme has helped her get more involved in her child's school work. "My child has been doing very well in school. Even if I do not fully understand maths, I have an idea of what they need to be doing and when they should be doing it," she said.
Busisiwe Dladla said she was confident her child will pass matric well. "I did not finish matric and I am glad to be in this programme because it helps a lot with how I can understand maths and help my child," she said.
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