By Maureen Nakatudde
The International Mathematics Day is celebrated on March 14, but in Uganda it was marked on March 19. The event, according to Dr Rebecca Nalule, the head of the mathematics department at Busitema University, is aimed at spreading awareness that mathematics is important and should be given priority.
The celebration, held at Budo Junior School and organised by the Uganda Women Mathematicians Association involved a marathon, math competitions, quizzes, entertainment and learners from primary school to tertiary institutions.
“You cannot do anything without mathematics, from one’s job, work, school activities and mathematics,” Dr Betty Nannyonga Kivumbi, the president of the association and also a senior lecturer at Makerere University, said.
It is imperative that learners are taught to embrace mathematics early, said Sylvia Namusoke Genza, the head of service management in the engineering department at Stanbic Bank.
“This is particularly important for girls who are made to believe that the subject is for boys,” Dr Asaf Muhumuza, a lecturer at Busitema University, said. He added that young women should take women mathematicians who have achieved the highest honours of education in form of doctorates as role models.
“By celebrating mathematics, young women can get role models and pursue the subject and other related programmes.”
Dr Muhumuza said young people should be encouraged to take interest in mathematics because it the “basis of many courses. Without grasping math, some children might find it hard to pursue such courses like engineering, accounting and banking.”
Ernest Kavulu, the headteacher at Budo Junior School, said such a day helps in demystifying the misconception that mathematics is difficult.
Namusoke said children are inspired to become mathematics experts if they are encouraged to keep practicing with every activity they encounter. She added that this will help learners excel in the subject. “When children marry the real-life experience with classwork when applying mathematics, they will turn out to be the best,” she said.
The guest of honour, Elizabeth Kasoozi, the headteacher of Lubiri Primary School, Mutundwe, said it was good to inspire the young ones to learn the subject early in life. She called upon mathematics teachers to love the subjects they teach.
“By doing so, they will entice learners to fall in love with the subject which they would have had a bias against,” she said.
WHAT PUPILS SAY
Hope Daniel Ssemogerere, Primary Seven: I have learnt that mathematics is a core subject in our education, so, I have to love it if I want to be successful in life.
Jacinta Esther Nabbaka, Primary Seven:
I have learnt that mathematics is an easy subject if I apply it daily, like while cooking and shopping.