At the crack of dawn, on Sunday, 24 February 2021, the JumpStart WhatsApp groups were abuzz with excitement. Radio 702‘s Weekend Breakfast show host, Refiloe Mpakanyane, had invited our General Manager, Callen Hodgskiss, to talk about JumpStart’s maths education and youth employment projects on air. Tutors listened in from around the province, and friends of JumpStart tuned in from as far afield as Melbourne.
History
The discussion kicked off with a brief history of our origins. We responded to the need for more skilled matriculants to enter the ICT sector. Steve Mahoney of JumpCo Digital realised that a maths education intervention was needed, so JumpStart was born. He chose to focus on the base of the educational pyramid, starting at Grade One. JumpStart began as a programme supporting teachers with up to 60 learners in their care in under-resourced classrooms.
We trained unemployed matriculants, like Dimakatso Skabata, who teach basics mathematics using paper workbooks and digital platforms. These are marked daily on a tablet and makes a significant difference to teachers like Funeka Phakade. Teachers and tutors quickly identify which students are still struggling. Additionally, they can see which content areas need further support and instruction. The programme, which offered a home learning solution to township families during lockdown, has been a tangible and successful response to the maths crisis that beleaguers the country.
Maths Matters – how you can help!
Many learners are playing catchup this year due to interrupted learning. Do you have an Android smart phone (Generation 5 and up) gathering dust in your drawer? Your unused phone will help a child needing additional maths support at home. Our digital programme supplements the work in the classroom.
Please save and remove all your contacts, photos and other important content before restoring your phone to factory settings. Then, mail or deliver your phones to our offices:
JumpStart Foundation
3rd floor Suite 306
Northcliff Atrium
189 Beyers Naudé Dr
Northcliff
2195
Listen in and social media matters!
If you missed the interview, listen to the podcast on 702’s website. We are amplifying this request for pre-loved Android phones via social media, so please follow us on your social platforms. Find us on Twitter (@JumpStart_SA) and Facebook (JumpStart SA). Please follow our partners too: Refiloe Mpakanyane (@Mpakanyane), 702 (@Radio702) and our parent company, JumpCo (@jumpcodigital).
#702WeekendBreakfast with @Mpakanyane:@CallenHodgskis1 talks about foundation phase maths that creates youth employment in Sasolburg and Katlehong. JumpStart began as a CSI project of @jumpcodigital. Very soon, we realised that the need was right at the foundation phase. Hence, we turned our focus to the base of the learning pyramid. pic.twitter.com/rMdv2DiZ4J
— The JumpStart Foundation (@JumpStart_SA) February 21, 2021
