By Frederick Philander WINDHOEK Based on the success of the first Mathematics Congress, held in 2006, the Ministry of Education is supporting the organization of the 2nd National Mathematics Congress, which will take place at Namib High School in Swakopmund next month. This was announced in a press release by Magret Courtney-Clarke. “This year there will be a special focus on developing number sense and involving learners in practical activities to explore mathematical concepts. Officials from the Ministry of Education will also address the importance that is attached to mathematics education in the ETSIP project and involve teachers to suggest possible solutions to the problems around mathematics education in Namibia,” the press release stated. Three guest lecturers from South Africa will contribute to the proceedings at the congress. “Hanlie Murray is a senior lecturer in the mathematics department at the University of Stellenbosch. She is an expert in primary school mathematics and has been involved in many teacher-training programmes in South Africa. She will conduct workshops for lower primary and upper primary school teachers,” she said. Thomas Hagspihl, a school principal from Cape Town and an experienced secondary school teacher, will also deliver a paper. Other presenters include Eva Biebuyck who is an expert on hands-on mathematics activities and manipulatives. She is the mathematics presenter of the HOPE (Help Our People Excel) project, which has introduced teachers in disadvantaged schools around Johannesburg to a creative way to teach students mathematical concepts Professor Kasanda from Unam will be one of the local presenters. The congress is sponsored by RÃÆ’Æ‘Æ‘ÃÆ”šÃ‚¶ssing Uranium, Namdeb, Salt & Chemicals (Pty) Ltd, Hansa Hotel and the Pupkewitz Foundation. The Mathematics Congress will start on Monday, 14 May 2007 at 0800 at Namib High School in Swakopmund. Information about the congress can be obtained from the subject advisors at the regional education offices. Mathematics educators who have not registered yet may contact Magret Courtney-Clarke at tel. 064 40 2749, fax 064 40 2309, email. courtney@mweb.com.na for registration forms, not later than 30 April 2007. For further details on the congress call tel. 064 40 2749, fax 064 40 2309.