Ouagadougou: Around sixty students in 4th and 1st grade classes will take the ‘Mathematical Elites’ competition this Sunday, simultaneously in Ouagadougou, Bobo Dioulasso, Tenkodogo, Koudougou and Kaya. intended to chase away math phobia among girls and subsequently increase the number of engineers among them.
‘Our ambition is to encourage girls to like science subjects in general and mathematics in particular and we are satisfied with the enthusiasm of the actors around this 2nd edition of the competition’, declared the coordinator of the association ‘Maison Rainbow’ Harouna Derra.
According to the coordinator, for this 2nd edition of the mathematics competition for girls called ‘Elite Mathematics’, around a hundred applications from 30 high schools and colleges from all almost 13 regions of the country were registered, of which around sixty were validated.
A total of 5 composition centers are selected: Ouagadougou, Bobo Dioulasso, Tenkodogo, Koudougou and Kaya.
According to mathematics teacher Harouna D
erra, this renewed interest in mathematics among girls proves that the objective of eliminating the phobia of mathematics and therefore increasing the number of female engineers is on track.
This initiative was appreciated by candidate Ramdé for whom the competition allows girls to test their knowledge in the subject.
She also recognized that ‘maths are not easy but invited her classmates to dare.’
Harouna Derra took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the partners, notably the Transitional Legislative Assembly through its president, Ousmane Bougouma, who spared no effort in supporting the practical organization of this edition.
This year, in addition to the post-primary category concerning 4th grade students, the competition was open to 1st grade students in the secondary category.
To participate in the competition, 4th grade candidates must obtain an average of at least 15 out of 20 in science subjects and particularly at least 16 out of 20 in mathematics during the 2023-2024 school year.
For
1st year candidates, at least 14 out of 20 in science subjects and an average of at least 15 out of 20 in mathematics in the first 2 terms are required.
The 3 best in each category will receive awards, said Mr. Derra.
The first will leave with computers, tablets, school supplies and scholarships.
The coordinator of the Maison Arc-en-Ciel Association invited engineering schools, universities and institutions and other goodwill to support students with scholarships to guarantee them higher studies in scientific fields.
Source: Burkina Information Agency