The Department of Mathematics in the College of Science and Technology at University of Rwanda (UR) awarded 23 students for their good performance in various mathematics competitions on June 7 during the 6th celebration of mathematics day in Rwanda.
Among the 23 students awarded, 11 participated in the Rwanda Mathematics Competitions at the senior level, while seven shone in the junior category. Additionally, five students distinguished themselves at the East Africa Mathematics Competition (EAMC) held in Nairobi, Kenya.
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The top performers in the Rwanda Mathematics Competition were each awarded Rwf150,000, while EAMC winners received USD$200 (about Rwf250,000), and other participants got USD $100 (about Rwf125,000).
Denis Ndanguza, the Dean of the School of Science at the University of Rwanda, noted that the mathematics department organises this event annually with the support of various partnerships.
"It started as a national competition, and we have since elevated it to the East Africa competition level, where six of our students emerged victorious. These students then progressed to the Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, with five of them participating. We further advanced to the international stage, known as the International Mathematics Competition, where four of our students represented us," he added.
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He said some of the students who excelled in these competitions received scholarships to renowned institutions, including the University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The scholarship recipients are girls.
Ndanguza emphasised that their goal is to change the perception that math is either unnecessary or a subject only for boys.
"These competitions aim to encourage young children, especially girls, to embrace mathematics. Previously, in a class of 20 students, there might have been only four or five girls, with many STEM subjects having no female representation. We introduced these competitions to motivate more girls to pursue STEM subjects."
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They began with secondary schools, visiting them to teach the importance of learning mathematics.
"Realising this was not enough, we started these competitions. This year, many students have chosen to study STEM subjects and mathematics,” he said.
"We aimed for 40 students in each department including mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics, and we have reached that goal, with some students even missing out.”
Ndanguza added that many girls are now studying mathematics, especially statistics, where over 45 percent of the students are female.
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"Today, girls are increasingly drawn to mathematics. For instance, during my studies at University of Rwanda, there was only one girl in my class. However, as I transitioned into teaching, I witnessed change. Our department, once dominated by men, now has five women lecturers holding PhDs.”
"Our goal with these competitions is to show the importance of mathematics and other STEM subjects. Mathematics is in every aspect of our daily lives. It not only simplifies other subjects but also fosters critical thinking skills,” he explained.
Sonia Keza, a 15-year-old student in senior three at Maranyundo Girls School, shared her joy after winning the EAM competition.
She revealed her passion for mathematics, emphasising that it's the subject she enjoys the most.
"In general, I noticed a push for girls to pursue STEM subjects, which is positive. However, statistically, boys still tend to outperform girls. But this doesn't mean girls aren't capable.”
"I believe that if girls step up, they can achieve great things. Especially seeing many women with PhDs at this event, it's clear that we should pursue our passions regardless of others' opinions,” Keza added.