To solve an education crisis, these moms found the formula for making Maths fun

In 2021, only 35% of the South African population carried Maths to their senior year of high school, and only 20% of them managed to pass. Could emotional support be the formula to helping students excel in this subject? To ensure they thrive, Keachell Jeffery is uniting with retired teachers, mothers, and unemployed women in Cape Town to first build children’s confidence. “South Africa has an education crisis,” she says. Through the NGO MathMoms, Jeffery and other educators like her are laying a solid foundation for children from disadvantaged schools to make a breakthrough in Mathematics.

Jeffery has always enjoyed teaching. But when she graduated from high school, financial barriers prevented her from enrolling at university. Without any qualifications, she was never able to work directly in a classroom as an official teacher. “MathMoms has given me the opportunity to live and experience my passion by helping and assisting learners,” Jeffery says. They employ people from different backgrounds, especially those from marginalised communities battling unemployment. Applicants aren’t required to have any prior teaching experience as the organisation provides training. MathMoms are either from the same community as their students and can comprehend the challenges they endure, or are made aware of them through training. “Some of the kids experience trauma at home which makes it extremely difficult for them to concentrate or even grasp simple concepts,” Jeffery says. Understanding their circumstances, she’s better able to assist them through their education by ensuring their wellbeing is taken care of first. 

“Many are afraid or intimidated by the subject and believe that they won’t succeed,” Jeffery says. And with several overburdened institutions, young people may never receive the attention they need. “Schools are under-resourced or overpopulated which leads to the learners not being able to reach their full potential,” Jeffery adds. MathMoms operates as an after-school programme, providing more than just tuition but also the psychological and social support they need to overcome their fears and insecurities. “Children that would have failed without any assistance are now passing or even better, they are excelling,” Jeffery says. By offering kids a safe space, they are now able to flourish. “MathMoms cultivates young minds and helps shape the leaders of tomorrow,” she says. “Through MathMoms, I am changing the future of South Africa’s youth.”