Awqaf SA kicks off 11th annual maths workshop series for Grade 10–12 learners

Community-driven programme returns to support Grade 10–12 learners

Awqaf SA will launch its annual Maths Workshop series this weekend, targeting Grade 10 to 12 learners across South Africa. Now in its 11th year, the programme offers additional mathematics support in areas including Soweto, Ladysmith, Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha.

Partnerships and participating schools

The initiative is a collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department and several participating schools. Schools involved include Spine Road High School, Portland’s High School and Luhlaza High School.

Why the programme matters

Awqaf SA chief executive Mickaeel Collier said the workshops have drawn consistently strong attendance. He described the organisation as stepping in “as a community-based organisation” to fill gaps when the system is under pressure.

“The high attendance numbers over the past decade show that the workshops are making their mark,” Collier said.

Collier said the programme is aimed at improving outcomes in a subject that remains a major barrier for many learners and underlined the link between maths and future careers in STEM.

Classroom approach and facilitator role

Maths facilitator Mohammad Khota said the workshops focus on exam preparation and mindset. He told learners the series gives them the strategy and confidence to tackle exams.

“The Awqaf SA workshop series gives learners the strategy and confidence to approach their exams like a war room,” Khota said.

Collier highlighted Khota’s role in delivery, saying his approach has helped thousands change how they view mathematics and that he “brings energy into the classroom and makes the subject more accessible to those in need.”

Scale and impact

Last year’s series reached about 85,000 learners. In one session, 700 learners benefited at Spine Road High School. Collier said demand has grown each year and that more schools and learners are engaging with the programme.

Former learners’ outcomes

Former participants shared how the workshops affected their results. Armani Rahman said the programme helped her improve her maths and build confidence going into matric; she scored 97% and is now studying medicine. Another former learner, Jayda Lee Pillay of Strandfontein High School, said the workshops helped her understand difficult topics; she scored 87% and plans to study actuarial science at the University of Cape Town.

What to expect this weekend

The series will run across the listed areas and participating schools, continuing Awqaf SA’s decade-long effort to provide targeted maths support to senior high-school learners.