Mathematics for everyone

Mathematics is an indispensable tool for solving complex problems and driving innovation in many fields, including technology, engineering, finance, and science. Unfortunately, many people find mathematics to be difficult and intimidating, leading to a fear of the subject and, in some cases, outright avoidance. 

This year’s theme for the International Day of Mathematics, “Mathematics for Everyone”, highlights the importance of making mathematics accessible to all, regardless of their background or level of experience. 

Since its inception in 2019, the International Day of Mathematics has been celebrated on March 14 to recognise the importance of Mathematics in our lives and to promote awareness of the subject’s many applications. 

This year, the theme “Mathematics for Everyone” focuses on the need to make the subject accessible to all people, regardless of their age, gender, socio-economic status, or level of education.

By making it more accessible, we can help more people understand and appreciate the power of Mathematics in their lives.

One area where Mathematics can have a significant impact is in addressing the challenge of youth unemployment. Youth unemployment is a pressing global issue, affecting millions of young people. The lack of job opportunities for young people can have serious long-term consequences, including reduced earning potential and a lower standard of living. 

Mathematics can play a crucial role in addressing this problem by providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s economy.

Mathematics is a foundation for many technical and scientific fields, including engineering, computer science, and finance. By studying mathematics, young people can develop a range of skills that are highly valued in the job market, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning. These skills can help young people succeed in a variety of industries, from software development to finance to healthcare.

However, many young people face significant barriers to accessing high-quality mathematics education. These barriers can include inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, and a lack of skilled teachers.

In addition, many students struggle with Mathematics due to anxiety or a fear of the subject. This fear can be especially pronounced in young women and people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may feel that mathematics is not a subject for them. To address these barriers and promote mathematics for everyone, we need to take a multifaceted approach. 

First, we need to invest in high-quality Mathematics education, providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed. This includes recruiting and training skilled mathematics teachers, providing access to modern technology and teaching tools, and developing effective teaching methods that cater to the diverse needs of learners.

Second, we need to work to overcome the fear and anxiety that many young people feel towards the subject.

This means promoting it as a subject that is accessible and relevant to everyone, regardless of their background or level of experience. We can achieve this by highlighting the many practical applications of mathematics in everyday life, from managing personal finances to understanding scientific research to developing new technologies.

One other way to improve Mathematics education is to leverage modern technology to make it more accessible and engaging for students. 

Technology such as calculators, educational apps, and online resources can help students visualise mathematical concepts and solve problems more effectively. For instance, Aga Khan institutions have popular online platforms that offer free instructional videos and practice exercises on a range of mathematical topics.

In addition, teachers can use software tools that are designed to help students and teachers learn and teach mathematics in a creative and interactive way.

In conclusion, the International Day of Mathematics is an important opportunity to promote mathematics for everyone, highlighting the subject’s many applications and its potential to address some of the world’s most pressing problems.

By investing in high-quality mathematics education and promoting it as a subject that is accessible and relevant to all, we can help more young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world.

Ben Sorowen, Assistant Lecturer, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Kyambogo University,