JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – An exciting new project has kicked off today using the latest Nokia handsets to help grade 10 female students improve their knowledge of maths.

Using a bespoke set of mobile-phone based learning tools, the aim is to
help increase mathematics performance amongst girls from two schools in
the North West Province of South Africa.

Micheline Ntiru, Head of Nokia’s Community Involvement Programs in Africa said

” This project demonstrates the potential of mobile phones to enable social development and improve educations especially in underprivileged areas”.

With more students turning to their mobiles to increase their knowledge through the Internet, it’s a perfect time to bring learning into the mix.

The project is being trialled in President Mangope Technical High School and Thlabane Technical College and the content has been created specifically to meet the needs of the national curriculum. Mr. Freddie Mahape, Principal at Tlhabane Technical and Commercial High School, said

“We need to win the battle of ensuring that more and more girl learners take interest in maths and subsequently obtain good results.  As such we welcome this project, as it gives us hope for a better future by improving results for our learners. We hope that in the future it will be possible to extend this program so that many more schools and learners can benefit from it.”

The trial is being run in conjunction with the South African Government’s Department of Education and not for profit organisation Mindset Network. Vis Naidoo, CEO of Mindset said

“One of South Africa’s most pressing challenges is the need for an improvement in maths proficiency. This pilot will help students develop in this area, which is so important for our youth if they are to integrate into the fast paced global economy.

Nokia is also providing funding for teacher training and Nokia staff
are volunteering to act as part-time helpers at the two schools.

We’ll be keeping an eye on progress of the trial and bring you updates over the coming months.

Picture from paulkist on Flickr