SAMENET

In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I founded a community project, Southern African Mathematics Empowerment Network (SAMENET), envisaged to empower female mathematics teachers and learners in contexts of disadvantage. Worldwide, it is well-known that learners in elite schools perform better in Mathematics than those in under-resourced schools located in contexts of disadvantage. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the performance gap. Teachers and learners in contexts of disadvantage could not afford digital tools to continue mathematics teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was when I realized the importance of empowering female mathematics teachers and learners in contexts of disadvantage.

SAMENET’s mission is:

• To supply adequate teaching and learning resources, textbooks and digital tools to female mathematics teachers and learners in contexts of disadvantage.
• To provide extra lessons to those girls who find mathematics challenging.
• Carrying professional development of mathematics teachers and learners in contexts of disadvantage.
• To conduct motivational talks about the importance of studying mathematics at school. So far, the talks conducted by SAMENET have helped to stimulate learners’ interest in mathematics. 
• To create awareness about the various career options for the girl child associated with mathematics.