In March 2010, the Kiwanis Club of the Bellmores purchased calculators for a class of 10th graders in Africa. The students need these calculators to help them pass a required math test and continue on to 11th grade.
Here is a copy of the letter we received:
My name is Ari Renoni and I am currently teaching math in Namibia, southern Africa, as a volunteer with WorldTeach, a nonprofit teacher placement organization operating out of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. At Sitopogo Combined School, a remote village on the northern border of the country, there are over 900 students who walk up to five kilometers each way to school. The dearth of even the most basic school supplies – most notably desks, chairs, chalk and lined paper – puts us teachers at a distinct disadvantage when teaching.
In particular, the grade 10 students, who must take a cumulative exam at the end of the year for math that determines whether or not they continue to grade 11, suffer from this paucity more than others. If these students do not pass their grade 10 math exam, they are precluded from proceeding to grade 11 and must simply end their access to education altogether. This puts a significant amount of pressure on these students. Though the test covers topics ranging from trigonometry to complex algebra, there are only about three calculators available to each class in which there are over 30 students.
Scientific calculators cost approximately $20 each, which, at an exchange rate of just over 7 to 1, is about N$140. More calculators could drastically increase these students' chances of passing by simply increasing the speed by which they complete each exam question. Moreover, it would allow each math lesson to progress more smoothly and quickly, thus expediting course content. It is extremely difficult to teach certain topics without calculators being more present in the classroom. Any support in this regard would, I sincerely believe, improve the chances of many of these students moving to grade 11, which is a level of education require for most desirable careers in Namibia.
Photos
A Very Special THANK YOU
Dear Kiwanis of Bellmore:
On the behalf of the entire faculty and student body here at Sitopogo Combined School, I would like to express my most sincere gratitude and appreciation for your donation that allowed us to buy 20 new scientific calculators.
Last week, my principal, Mr. Sikongo, graciously announced to the school at assembly that the Kiwanis from the United States had raised money for the calculators, which prompted school-wide applause. The calculators have become an invaluable resource. During lessons and tests, there is now at least a 2:1 student to calculator ratio, which has significantly increased the speed at which they can complete assignments. Furthermore, during the mandatory "afternoon study" time allotted for 4:00-5:30 every day, I'm able to sign them out on an individual basis to help with homework for math, physical science, life science and other subjects.
Accompanying this letter is one written by one of my students in class 10A, Likuwa Joseph. Unfortunately, I cannot send his original handwritten note due to the unreliability of the mail service, but I think his message comes through regardless of any grammatical errors. I understand that physical mail is more personal but I'm afraid that particular obstacle cannot be avoided.
Again, your generous contribution is making a significant impact here. The region in which Sitopogo is located is ranked last in Namibia for academic high school performance, and Namibia is ranked second to last in academic standards for all of southern Africa. So, as you can imagine, any assistance, especially of this magnitude, is rare and thus momentous. Sitopogo Combined School will retain these calculators long after I leave, being overseen by the subsequent Math teacher.
Thank you (mpandu) and all the best!
Cordially yours,
Ari Renoni
Dear Sir/Madam
I would be pleased if you would reserve accommodation and I hope that you are fine.
We are the learner at Sitopogo Combined School. We are very happy for your contribution of financial that you brought for us. We will be pleased that you are the key of life. Because you make us unbelievable that will not happen to our private school at Sitopogo Combined.
I hope that you will be able to find or order another calculator for next year. We are very happy for your contribution because you are improving our lesson to use as a calculator during lesson. It make us become doctor, nurses, teacher, pilot at the end of the day straight that pursue of good. We be bless you to stay in the compound of God in heaven to be the son of God we are happy. To use a calculator.
Please send for us newspaper magazine, reading books to improve our language.
Your faithful,
Likuwa Joseph
|
