We have worked with Sabinet twice - once in 2012 and then again in 2015. Both times it was in conjunction with the Sabimaths programme; and included an evaluation of the programme and then the ultimate closure of the programme to re-allocate funds to a less staff intensive process. This relationship came about thanks to a recommendation by our friends at Muthobi: Lauren Cloete Henning; and Keri McDonald Paschal www.muthobi.co.za/
Sabimaths Evaluation
Sabinet asked Infundo to perform an evaluation of their maths programme called Sabimaths. This project began with a partnership between Sabinet and the Tshwane Library; and a custodian who project managed the process in 2 main areas: Soshanguve and Mamelodi. Some key concepts were tested in the evaluation:
Impact
Sustainability
The focus of the Sabimaths programme was on enabling learners from surrounding schools at Grade 6 through to Matric in maths. Teachers in high schools in the area were contracted and taught 3 times a week; to classes of 25 learners.
The relationships between the tutors and the learners proved to be one of the main impact points in this evaluation - with the teachers staying with their classes for 7 years and growing with them as they moved from grade to grade
The Sabimaths learners were more confident and more willing to take risks in maths. Their marks were also higher than that of their peers who were in class with them at school
Curriculum content was a key part of the impact; but so too was the problem solving aspect and the peer support from their friends in class
A key part of the evaluation was a recommendation to maximise impact by having the Sabimaths learners assist younger learners in their area