Our previous article delved into the experiences of the (Social Employment Fund) SEF project participants, a significant event that highlighted their challenges and celebrated their triumphs. Today, we are thrilled to present the outcomes of the final numiknow™ competitions, a pivotal part of the SEF project. These competitions stand as a testament to the hard work and dedication of our learners in the Intermediate and Senior phases, as well as the participants in the SEF project, showcasing their remarkable achievements.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who made the numiknow™ competitions a memorable and successful event. We also want to express admiration for the winners in each category, whose exceptional performance and dedication set them apart – in the Intermediate phase, the team from Makgaung Primary School secured the first position, followed by the team from Mamokaile Primary School in second place, and the group from Mahlambandlopfu Primary School in third place.
The Senior phase winners were the team from German S Chiloane Secondary School pipping the group from Napsadi Secondary School to the post. The Maahlamela High School came in a close third place.
The last set of results came from the participants’ competition. The winners were from Area 3, the runners-up were from Area 10, and the third place went to the team from Area 11.
SPAR Hoedspruit, SUPERSPAR Acornhoek, Blydevallei Boerdery, Landman Group, and BBI Packhouse sponsored the prizes for the winning teams. Sincere thanks go to them for their continuous support. PAINTSMITHS produced the playing surface for the numiknow™ Circle (below), a new addition to the games.
numiknow™ is very excited to announce the second allocation of a SEF project to Hoedspruit Hub and the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region. The project will start in July 2024 and finish in April 2025. This project will focus on two key components – first, an environmental focus, where participants will contribute to beautifying and greening schools and their environments, and second, the establishment of numiknow™ clubs.
The numiknow™ clubs idea will be a catch-up program for learners who wish to improve their marks. The clubs will focus on a specific grade in each school. This program will last 20 weeks, with 4 – 5 weekly sessions of 1 hour each. The group will consist of 20 voluntary learners with 5 facilitators. The learners will play the compendium of games, and their performance in the games will be continuously assessed.
During the catch-up program, learners will be motivated through feedback on the growth of their numiknow™ (their own number power), rewards, leaderboards and competitions. We aim to use these as incentives to motivate learners to improve their mathematical proficiency. While healthy competition is important for personal growth, we also want to include a nurturing component as part of the intervention to support and motivate learners not to give up on their journey to success.
To ensure that learners and participants keep their commitments, the School Governing Body and an appointed schoolteacher will be requested to monitor their attendance and take oversight responsibility. They will also do their best to keep the learners’ enthusiasm and enjoyment at a peak by ensuring the implementation of the planned intervention activities, and the incentives by the participants facilitating the catchup programs. The financial value of this investment in the school could amount to R120 000 per school.
To contact Thias Taute about numiknow™ you can do so through the Hoedspruit Hub: 079 502 4727 or on email thias@hoedspruithub.com



