SA-US Public-Private Partnership for Mathematics Tutoring

SA-US Public-Private Partnership for Mathematics Tutoring:Sabinet and U.S. Mission’s Mae Jemison Science Reading RoomTeam Up for Students5 March 2010   Above: Ratiloane Obed Chiloane, mathematics teacher speaks to learners at the Mae Jemison US Science Reading Room in Mamelodi about the tutoring partnership.  MAMELODI – In a public-private partnership between the United States Mission to South Africa’s Mae Jemison U.S. Science Reading Room and Sabinet Online, 30 primary school students from Mogale Primary School in Mamelodi will receive mathematics tuitions each week.  The Mamelodi initiative is an extension of the SabiMaths program, a corporate social responsibility program of Sabinet. Classes are held at the Mae Jemison U.S. Science Reading Room in Mamelodi on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Participating students will also have access to the other materials available through the Mae Jemison U.S. Science Reading Room, including science books, videos, experiments and programs designed to increase students’ interest and ability in maths and sciences.  Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs for the U.S. Mission Mary Deane Conners, who greeted the students, emphasized the U.S. commitment to enhancing the educational experience of South African students, particularly in the math and science fields. She also thanked the University of Pretoria, which hosts the Mae Jemison Reading Room. “This partnership is a model for how private organizations and public entities can work together to ensure South Africa’s young people are prepared for the 21st century,” said Conners.  Tshwane Libraries’ Deputy Librarian Paulina Ndobe identified grade 6 students from Mogale Primary School as the ideal candidates for this program. She also selected an experienced maths teacher, Mr. Ratiloane Obed Chiloane, to lead the students. Mr.Chiloane introduced himself to the group on Thursday, saying, “I’ve learned over the years that math doesn’t have to be difficult. I can teach you math if you let me, and you can pass matric with distinction. I’m here to help you achieve your goal.” Rosalind Hattingh, managing director of Sabinet said, “It is a privilege for Sabinet to be in this partnership with the US Embassy and Tshwane Library and Information Services. Together we can make a difference in the lives of deserving children in the Mamelodi community. The objective of this program is to assist children to enhance their maths skills so that they have a solid foundation from which they can build. Through this program, this partnership is investing in the future of the children and ultimately the future of the community. We look forward to seeing the results of these students.”