Keanan Harmse
Keanan.harmse@novusmedia.co.za
Two Lavender Hill High School learners, who took part in the University of Cape Town’s Maths Olympiad on Wednesday 23 April, hope to be a beacon of light for the youth in their communities
Overall, 35 learners from various grades took part in this year’s Olympiad.
The school has also re-introduced mathematics as a Further Education and Training (FET) subject.
It was reintroduced in 2023 after it was dropped in 2013.
The school will also have its first group of Grade 12 maths learners writing the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam this year, according to school secretary Bronwyn Abrahams.
People’s Post also spoke with two Lavender learners, Qulsum Majiet (16) and Keagan Philander (17), who participated in the Olympiad this year.
Qulsum, who hopes to pursue a career in teaching, says her hobbies include: cooking and hair styling.
“This was my first time taking part in the Olympiad. To prepare we went through past papers. I found some the questions quite challenging but I really enjoyed the exam because it actually pushed me to see what I’m capable of, and I feel that’s what’s most important.”
Keagan (17) is a Grade 11 learner who enjoys officiating football matches.
“I am an enthusiastic learner and love mathematics. My hobbies include being a part-time maths tutor in my community as well,”said Keagan.
This year he also took part in his first Olympiad.
“I was a bit unprepared because I was not used to answering these types of questions which were asked in the Olympiad even though we had preparation sessions with my maths teacher Mr Albertino Solomon.
“Most importantly, I enjoyed myself and got exposed to the Olympiad and the type of thinking required to solve challenging problems. I really enjoyed myself because I felt that is the type of environment I see myself in one day.”
Keagan said he hopes to delve deeper into the mathematical field.
“I would have to put in a lot of hard work if I like to major in mathematics and computer science.
“My main aspirations include giving back to the community and uplifting the youth through education. I’d also like to thank my teacher, Mr Solomon for always believing in me to do my best”
Qulsum said she hoped the youth in her area can also challenge themselves to follow their goals.
“What I’d really like to mention is that in my community it’s not a lot of young people that can make a success of their lives and I would like to prove to myself that I can make it. My dreams are to go and study at a university and prove to Lavender Hill that there is a better life out there,” she said.
