Mathematics lessons are not popular in many Kenyan classrooms.
Most learners struggle to grasp concepts, developing a phobia in the process.
The KCSE results patterns, including last year’s, give a credible indicator of the challenge: girls lag behind, thereby undermining their chances of taking up careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
But that is not the story of 28-year-old Ann Gathura.
“I fell in love with maths since my childhood and through my learning journey, the bond has only grown stronger,” she told the Star.
While in high school in Nakuru, she became a star student and a reference point teachers would use to encourage others to improve.
After passing her KCSE exams, Gathura enrolled for a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science.
During the Covid-19 outbreak, Gathura realised she could use her maths knowledge to help children as the pandemic disrupted learning, forcing the closure of schools.
“I felt that my love for maths could be my contribution to lessen the struggle among school children,” Gathura says.
“Ann’s Maths Club is an initiative that was born during the pandemic with the aim of helping students learn mathematics while at home to develop a positive attitude towards the subject.”
The club requests university students to volunteer to teach children, mostly in Nairobi slums.
“We make maths fun. We use activities that normalise maths concepts and ensure the delivery of lessons is informal and relating to their daily life settings.”
Gathura and her team invent games that keep the learners absorbed, lowering their anxiety and freeing them to think.
The informal delivery of content, easy atmosphere and laughter are her tactics for making maths fun.
Since the club’s inception in 2021, thousands of math learners have been assisted.
“On our Facebook platform we have managed to reach more than 10,000 students and empower them to excel in mathematics, with a library of over 30 free videos.”
Ann’s Maths Club’s objective, as highlighted on its website, is to “assist students in sharpening their mathematical skills as well as offer mentorship to boost their confidence and change their attitude toward mathematics, to make mathematics more fun and lovable.”
Gathura’s approach goes beyond teaching maths concepts to promoting critical thinking and enhancing academic success.
“Our goal is to foster a lifelong passion for maths in our members by providing a dynamic and engaging learning environment that promotes curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.”
Ann’s Maths Club offers a range of individual and group maths sessions designed to cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of students. The club has devised ways to be self-sustaining