Crypto Giant members together with the founder of Under Twenty Mathematicians programme, Professor Jean Lubuma participated in Mathematics awareness initiative that target high school Learners.  The aim of the project is to identify schools where there is a lack of information about tertiary education opportunities and careers in Mathematics, and to identify the learners which they can groom into pursuing a career in Mathematical Sciences.

The implementation phase of the project kicked off on 20 February 2015 in Soshanguve with the matric candidates of Reitumetse High School.  On 21 February, the team hosted grade 9-12 learners of future comprehensive School from Limpopo.  The sessions started off with Professor Jean Lubuma introducing the Under Twenty Mathematicians (UTM) programme and other opportunities that are available to the learners should they decide to pursue a career in Mathematics at the University of Pretoria.  He also mentioned other initiatives like “Take a Girl Child to Work Day”.  Dr Mokhwetha Mabula introduced to the learners the University of Pretoria Mathematics competition and the Siyanqoba Regional Training Programme which are both hosted by the Department of  Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

The Crypto Giants then took to the floor to motivate the learners to pursue and fall in love with Mathematics even whilst they are still at school. The following topics were presented to the learners:

1. The importance of Mathematics
2. The applications of Mathematics
3. Careers in Mathematics
4. Life and challenges at tertiary institutions
5. Study techniques.

Not only were these topics dealt with, but the learners also received guidance on some of the challenges that the learners might come across during their matric year.

The sessions were fruitful and the learners were very enthusiastic about the journey that lies ahead. The team would like to thank the principals of the respective schools and the educators for their time and most importantly, they would also like to thank the learners for lending them their time and ears. The best is yet to come…

We will also like to acknowledge the support of the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).  We are looking forward to continue our partnership with SAASTA.