An unforgettable experience, the ISIbalo School Programme is a powerful initiative in the lives of South African children that can shape and yield different and better outcomes. Launched by Statistics SA in 2009 as a legacy of the 57th Session of the ISI, has the potential to shape a brighter future.

The aim of the legacy program was to undo an apartheid legacy of Hendrik Verwoed, a key figure in the apartheid government. In 1953, Verwoed, then Minister of Native Affairs, declared in Parliament, “What is the use of teaching a Bantu child mathematics when it cannot use it in practice?”

Sakhile Mpanza of Stats SA, based in the Ilembe District, has maintained faith in the legacy changing programme. I had the opportunity to discuss the program with learners mentored by Mpanza and presented a learner-focused transformation program at a session convened by the Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, as I further focused my energy to dismantle Verwoed's legacy.

I spoke to four learners who made the presentation. They are from Impoqabulungu Secondary School. This is what our conversation with Siphesihle Zikhali, Wandile Luthuli, Zanothando Zondi and Aphiwe Radebe covered.

They participated in the Stats SA school symposium on September 19th, competing against seven other schools from the Ilembe District and eThekwini Municipality. Despite the fierce competition, they secured first place.

Here are three key takeaways as related by these students: their experiences, expectations and lessons learned.

1 How was the ISIbalo journey, from the training phase, through data collection, to presenting your results?

Sphesihle: Some of the challenges we faced included difficulties in organising content, managing technical issues, rehearsal constraints, balancing presentation preparations with our academic responsibilities and managing nerves and pressure to perform excellently.

Initially, we struggled to figure out the best direction to research the topic. After some days of not figuring this out, we finally decided to conduct research on subtopics first. This allowed us to combine the information into a presentation focused on healthcare, specifically highlighting healthcare facilities around Mandeni.

During training sessions and data collection days, I learned the importance of patience, which is the mother of success. When we visited the Sundumbili Health Centre, we were told that we were supposed to book an appointment. Then, our beloved mentor pleaded on our behalf, and we were promised an email with further information, but unfortunately, we are still waiting for it. We are grateful to the Isithebe Clinic for assisting us, when another clinic had turned down our request.

To overcome challenges in this process of getting to the final presentation, we also had to employ solutions such as practising relaxation techniques such as visualization to calm nerves, using design principles to craft engaging slides and conducting a technical rehearsal. We also asked for feedback from our peers and mentors on how to improve our presentation. By adopting these strategies, we ended up delivering a successful and engaging presentation.

Wandile: I faced numerous challenges during my experience with the Isibalo School Programme. The preparation coincided with our third-term evaluation, making it difficult to balance schoolwork and rehearsals. Additionally, our class had holiday classes scheduled during the symposium week, requiring my mentors to plead with my maths teacher to allow me to rehearse with the team.

I also had to compromise on family time, but ultimately, it was all worth it. Being announced the winner was the best reward ever.

As for the final symposium, I was quite relaxed until the day before. My portion had to be changed, so I faced challenges in understanding it. However, I dedicated myself to rehearsing as if my life depended on it. Surprisingly, on the day of the final symposium, I knew my part perfectly.

Both symposiums were incredible experiences. Being chosen to represent my school was an honour. The feeling of stepping off the stage and hearing the audience applaud is indescribable, and the pride of knowing I did my best is immeasurable. The program was educational and informative, as we had to visit government institutions like the Isithebe Clinic to gather valid information for our presentation.

Zanothando: My experience with the Isibalo Symposium was filled with greatness and steep hills to climb. I had to adapt to many public speaking techniques and skills, which were hard for me to adapt to on the first day of participation. I followed the techniques carefully as I focused on learning good presentation skills and worked on my preparations. Statistical analysis and data collection made the experience unique, especially since the topic dealt with important aspects of healthcare facilities.

We were given a guide on how to extract information on the Census 2022 Supercross, which was extremely difficult. I also had to put more effort into mastering the computer technology and skills required to accurately extract information. This solidified our presentation on our statistical analysis, leaving us with only one major task: presenting the data to major stakeholders and professionals. This was a major challenge, as I had to overcome feelings of disbelief and doubt. However, I developed a strong mentality to conquer these challenges and enjoy the entire symposium.

Aphiwe: As for me, the experience of learning and teaching was eye-opening. I learned things I never thought I'd learn or know. The training session initially made me think that the program was too complex for me, as I felt unprepared. However, I persevered. I also struggled with data collection, as I relied on my cellphone for research and had to purchase data daily. The poor network connectivity in my area further compounded the challenge.

What are our expectations for next year?

Sphesihle: I hope the programme can continue yearly so that more learners can be educated about statistical analysis and be exposed to the real world.

Wandile: I expect the program to include more schools, as their involvement will mean that more young people will be aware of what's happening in their nation. Government officials can also learn from our findings. We may be young, but we are the ones who witness and live in these conditions.

Zanothando: I am capable of being given the task of presenting to high-level candidates. I plan to challenge myself to continue with mind-expanding activities and critical thinking skills to enable me to think beyond limitations.

Aphiwe: Next year, I hope more schools will compete next time, giving other kids the opportunity we had to shine.

What did we learn from this programme?

Sphesihle: I learned great things from the programme that we were not exposed to as learners. Through the ISP, I learned the importance of statistical analysis, the significance of being counted and the power of teamwork. It also taught me about the current state of South Africa and it made me realise there is still room for improvement.

Wandile: This program has made me aware of how our leaders make decisions about our country and their progress after 30 years of democracy. It has also taught me that one is never too young to contribute to the progress of their country.

Zanothando: I learned a lot about statistical analysis and the importance of statistical studies and measurements. These tools provide economic predictions and insights into how our city functions, leading to great economic predictions uplifting our country and all diverse sectors.

Aphiwe: I learned the significance of statistics in municipalities and how to develop solutions that won't just benefit me, but also the people around me.

Based on the students’ feedback, I can conclude that the ISIbalo Programme is a transformational legacy programme that deals directly with the apartheid legacy. It focuses on the root cause: that of deliberately addressing education.

Dr Pali Lehohla is a Professor of Practice at the University of Johannesburg, a Research Associate at Oxford University, a board member of Institute for Economic Justice at Wits and a distinguished Alumni of the University of Ghana. He is the former Statistician-General of South Africa.

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