TSIETSI GIVES BACK THROUGH MATHS
By KOPANO MONAHENG
With the world changing rapidly, people often expect something in return when they help others. But Tsietsi Ngobese is different, choosing to give back despite the tough economic challenges facing the country.
The young man from Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, has dedicated himself to empowering young people through education.
Tsietsi Ngobese, founder of WeSolve4x Foundation, which was established in 2013, has reached more than 200,000 learners since then. “At WeSolve4x, we provide free extra mathematics classes for learners from Grade 4 to Grade 12,” he said. “We operate across the country through adopted schools and we offer online classes.”
He tutors hundreds of pupils from Grades 4 to 12, helping them improve their mathematics skills, overcome their fear of the subject and build a stronger foundation for future studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Every day, Ngobese and fellow tutors from his organisation offer free mathematics lessons to pupils who want to improve their academic performance. The organisation also provides online classes for children who cannot attend lessons at one of its 19 centres in Gauteng and Western Cape.
For Ngobese, the mission goes beyond teaching numbers and solving equations. It is about giving young people hope, building their confidence and showing them that mathematics does not have to be a subject they fear.
Young as he is, Ngobese believes education can open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach for many young people.
“I benefited from a programme called Maths and Science, which provided extra mathematics and science classes over weekends. At the time, my school was among the worst-performing schools, with a pass rate of only 2%.
“Although I managed to pass, my school continued to perform poorly. When I became a first-year actuarial science student at university in 2013, I decided to give back by helping other learners who needed academic support. That is how the project started.”
He also answered the questions:
Q: What drives your passion for mathematics and helping learners?
Ngobese: I love numbers, mathematics and helping others understand the subject more easily. I also want to make mathematics easier for them so they can have more opportunities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Q: How many learners who benefited from the programme have gone on to study actuarial science at university?
Ngobese: We did not keep track of learners’ progress during the earlier years of the programme. However, over the past four years, we have started tracking their progress, particularly those pursuing actuarial science.
We estimate that around 2,400 learners have managed to pursue actuarial science. We assisted learners in previous years as well, but we did not keep comprehensive records of their progress.
Q: How can parents enrol their children in the programme?
Ngobese: It depends on whether learners live near a school we have adopted. Those who live in areas where we operate can register and attend classes at a nearby centre.
Learners who live elsewhere can join our online classes, meaning there are no geographical limitations.
Q: How many people are involved in teaching and supporting learners?
Ngobese: Each centre has tutors who assist learners. Overall, we have approximately 130 volunteers helping us deliver the programme. Our classes are free.
For more info on how to sign up for online classes visit: www.wesolve4x.co.za
