Emmanuel Khumalo’s Numbers Foundation is a haven for pupils needing extra lessons in maths, science and accounting in KwaMashu
“You too can be a hero, you do not have to have money, drive the biggest car, be famous or know people in high places; if you just act now, you can do or bring a lot of change into your life by helping those lives around you and no matter whatever happens, never stop dreaming and never let others tell you you can never be, because they could not be,” says Emmanuel Khumalo, founder of the Numbers Foundation.
Khumalo (18), from KwaZulu-Natal, is passionate about bringing people together using education, having been approached to tutor Grade 8 pupils in mathematics.
“I was in Grade 11 then and a group of Grade 8 learners came to me asking for help; as a senior who has already been there, I helped them without any problems. They then regularly came to me and the numbers started growing so I spoke to my English educator to use her classroom during breaks for my lessons, and she agreed because she knew my work and she believed in me too,” he said.
Khumalo completed his schooling in 2012, passing his matric with academic excellence awards in English First Additional Language and Life Orientation. The next year, he started the Numbers Foundation. “I established the Numbers Foundation in 2013 and under the foundation I started the Numbers Education Club (NEC); at first I worked alone but I have formed a group … that assist me and they have taken the role of office bearers.”
THE NUMBERS FOUNDATION
The Numbers Foundation is a non-profit organisation offering two programmes; the Numbers Education Club (NEC), at Thandukwazi Primary School in KwaMashu, and Friends of Friends (FOF).
NUMBERS EDUCATION CLUB
The NEC offers after-school lessons in mathematics, physical science, and life sciences for pupils from Grade 8 to Grade 12, and will soon include lessons in accounting.
Children from KwaMashu, Emlandweni, Ezilwaneni and Enkanyisweni attend the classes.
Some 175 children have attended the NEC since its establishment, with all students successfully improving their pass rates.
Khumalo runs NEC with five friends; Fezeka Ngetho, Bongekile Zulu, Nelisiwe Damane, Snegugu Mdletshe and Philile Masondo.
FRIENDS OF FRIENDS
Khumalo started the Friends of Friends project in 2013 and says, “We plan to take this project to schools, communities and every other that place that we can go to throughout the country and if possible the world as a whole. The FOF project offers counselling for people, especially the youth that find themselves in need of someone to talk to.”
Khumalo has no counselling training, but aims to inspire young people to fight against violence, drug abuse, discrimination and bullying, and rather encourage each other to study and work hard, to avoid a life of crime.
KRAZIFIZIX
Khumalo, through the NEC, also works with life coach and teacher, Bishop Komolafe Busuyi, who runs the Krazifizix Educational Club, which provides extra lessons to high school pupils.
“I have worked on Krazifizix Educational Club, and that was very amazing, the experience that I got, standing in front of more than 700 learners and talking really helped built my confidence,” says Khumalo.
The clubs are negotiating a partnership to reach some 400 pupils, especially grades 8 to 12, by the end of 2014.
KHUMALO’S KUDOS
Khumalo’s passion has taken him from KwaMashu to the airwaves and gained him recognition for his motivating spirit.
In June 2011, he volunteered at Inanda 88.4 FM, to host Sunday youth show Teen Expression, with DJ Mbali Zwane for six months.
In September 2013 he was nominated as a Hero of the Month by local values organisation LeadSA, and received a commendation from First National Bank through its You Can Help campaign.
“With every small experience and day that I have lived, I have learned to appreciate life and many of my experiences have made me stronger and taught me to always be the best I can be no matter whatever happens,” says Khumalo.
He says youngsters should “never give in to what people have to say”. He says he ignores those who “bring me down or make me lose faith; I have learned to protect my dreams and to encourage and help those who dream too.”
He adds; “Having a vision, that does it for me. I’m inspired to do great, because I know what it is that I want in life, and I want to go out there and grab it all. People who have done great and those that are doing great, keep me believing that there are such great people who sacrifice a part of their dream to help others and set an example for all of us.”
Khumalo dreams of becoming a doctor; “I still am pursuing my dream of being a doctor; in June this year I will start my studies at UNISA and will study a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Zoology stream), and after my degree, I will then go on to study towards a GEMP (Graduate Entry Medical Programme) at Wits University.”
PLAY YOUR PART
To learn more about the Numbers Foundation visit www.numberssa.blogspot.com, or email numberssa@gmail.com.
