Phororong learners excel at Maths Olympiads

Four learners from Phororong Primary School in Khutsong participated in the recent Mathematics Olympiads and proved they don’t have to stand back for anyone. According to their teacher, Ms Jabu Yalo, Oarabile Mogwate is in Grade 7 and Mosetsane Mokgole, Palesa Mokaleng and Kgomotso Selepe are in Grade 8. All four learners did so well in the Olympiads, that they proceeded to the district level of the competition on 3 November. Here, the girls again showed what they are made of and proceeded to the provincial level of the competition. Here Palesa stunned the teachers and learners alike when she scooped the second position in Gauteng. She received a special award and medal for her achievement during the provincial awards function at Laerskool Anton van Wouw in Pretoria on 20 November. During the awards function, teachers heard that the country is presently facing a crisis with the demand for mathematicians who will be future engineers. Learners from primary schools often lack the essential mathematical skills necessary to cement the basic knowledge needed in the upper grades. The fact that many other schools struggle so much makes the Phororong learners’ achievement even more significant. Both Yalo and the school’s SGB chairperson, Mr Evelyn Mokate, congratulated the star learners. “This will motivate our learners and make them understand that, even though we come from a small township, they can achieve. Everything they want comes through hard work and dedication,” says Yalo. Mosetsane Mokgole taking part in the district level Olympiads.