Let’s be honest: for many students, the word “mathematics” doesn’t exactly spark joy. It’s often seen as a daunting “no-go zone”. But what if the problem isn’t the math itself, but the way we’re introduced to it?
This year, for International Day of Mathematics (IDM), the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA) decided to challenge that ‘scary’ reputation. The theme was Mathematics and Hope, and we set out to show 183 students from across Dar es Salaam that math isn’t just about formulas – it’s about creativity, persistence and building the future.
In a high-energy collaboration with Young Engineers Tanzania, the main sponsors of the event, AKU turned a standard school day into a hands-on engineering lab. Students from eight local schools – ranging from Sunray and Olympio Primary to Zanaki and Azania Secondary – stepped out of the textbook and into the role of innovators.
The challenge? Bridge building. Using principles such as symmetry and measurement, teams worked together to design structures that could hold weigh and stand tall. To add futuristic flair, we even brought in a 3D printer, showcasing how math powers the latest technology and design.
“I learned how to connect math, science, and art in designing a bridge,” said Agatha K. Loman, a student from Zanaki Secondary School. “It was also exciting to interact with students from other schools. These skills will help me become an innovator.”
Our faculty and Master of Education students weren't just there to teach; they were there to inspire.
“This year’s theme resonates with our goal of building a progressive community of practitioners through shared experiences that spur success, transform attitudes, and inspire hope for a brighter future especially for young learners in the foundational years of schooling, additionally, peer learning strategies, constructive feedback, and active engagement are essential for strengthening the teaching and learning of mathematics and improving learning outcomes,” said Dr Howard Omukami, faculty at IED, EA.
“Today’s theme reminds us that mathematics is about persistence and hope it is about trying several times until we get it right,” said Dr Nicholas Wachira, Associate Dean at IED, EA. “Mathematics is also moving in the same direction as technology, shaping the future.”
For the facilitators, the experience was equally meaningful. “Facilitating during the International Day of Mathematics was an eye-opening experience,” said Bernadette Kasuku, a master’s student at IED, EA. “Seeing young minds collaborate and creatively build bridges made me realize that you do not have to be a mathematics teacher to build hope in mathematics.”
The celebration did not end at the workshop. AKU and Young Engineers Tanzania took these innovative teaching methods to the national observance event held at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education. AKU was recognised for demonstrating innovation and promoting the kind of engaging math education that learners look forward to.
Let’s be honest: for many students, the word “mathematics” doesn’t exactly spark joy. It’s often seen as a daunting “no-go zone”. But what if the problem isn’t the math itself, but the way we’re introduced to it?
This year, for International Day of Mathematics (IDM), the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (IED, EA) decided to challenge that ‘scary’ reputation. The theme was Mathematics and Hope, and we set out to show 183 students from across Dar es Salaam that math isn’t just about formulas – it’s about creativity, persistence and building the future.
In a high-energy collaboration with Young Engineers Tanzania, the main sponsors of the event, AKU turned a standard school day into a hands-on engineering lab. Students from eight local schools – ranging from Sunray and Olympio Primary to Zanaki and Azania Secondary – stepped out of the textbook and into the role of innovators.
The challenge? Bridge building. Using principles such as symmetry and measurement, teams worked together to design structures that could hold weigh and stand tall. To add futuristic flair, we even brought in a 3D printer, showcasing how math powers the latest technology and design.
“I learned how to connect math, science, and art in designing a bridge,” said Agatha K. Loman, a student from Zanaki Secondary School. “It was also exciting to interact with students from other schools. These skills will help me become an innovator.”
Our faculty and Master of Education students weren't just there to teach; they were there to inspire.
“This year’s theme resonates with our goal of building a progressive community of practitioners through shared experiences that spur success, transform attitudes, and inspire hope for a brighter future especially for young learners in the foundational years of schooling, additionally, peer learning strategies, constructive feedback, and active engagement are essential for strengthening the teaching and learning of mathematics and improving learning outcomes,” said Dr Howard Omukami, faculty at IED, EA.
“Today’s theme reminds us that mathematics is about persistence and hope it is about trying several times until we get it right,” said Dr Nicholas Wachira, Associate Dean at IED, EA. “Mathematics is also moving in the same direction as technology, shaping the future.”
For the facilitators, the experience was equally meaningful. “Facilitating during the International Day of Mathematics was an eye-opening experience,” said Bernadette Kasuku, a master’s student at IED, EA. “Seeing young minds collaborate and creatively build bridges made me realize that you do not have to be a mathematics teacher to build hope in mathematics.”
The celebration did not end at the workshop. AKU and Young Engineers Tanzania took these innovative teaching methods to the national observance event held at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education. AKU was recognised for demonstrating innovation and promoting the kind of engaging math education that learners look forward to.
