Math Meets Art: BTTC Hosts International Mathematics Day

By Ilyana Sithole

Belvedere Technical Teachers College (BTTC) was abuzz with mathematical imagination earlier today, 14th of March, 2025, when it served as a venue for national celebrations of the International Day of Mathematics (IDM) with the theme “Mathematics, Art, and Creativity.” Hosted by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Commission for UNESCO (ZIMNATCOM), the event was attended by people from all corners of the education sector and beyond.

With what was done at the University of Zimbabwe in 2024, BTTC had now become the platform to dispel the myth about mathematics and to unveil its natural affinity with aesthetics. The program for the day, well choreographed, was designed to motivate both students and teachers to appreciate even more the beauty and practicality of mathematical sciences.

Kicking of the day with solidarity messages, Mathematics Motivational speaker Mr. Alistair Patsanza presented insightful comments on how mathematics can be made easier and accessible and fun too, using examples of incorporating virtual reality and augmented reality, gamefication in math education and digital story telling, encouraging the move “From the Chalkboard to Creativity, making Maths exciting.”

This was followed by CUT’s Dr. Musora who “delved deeper” into “Mathematical Concepts in Traditional Designs.” Advocating for a relationship between mathematics and culture using examples from farming, food and medicine, crafts, architecture, trading and commerce amongst other real life applications he said, “as Zimbabwe we are on track, we have a heritage based curriculum.”

The Zimbabwe Mathematics Association, represented by Mr. Marengereke, revealed “The Beauty & Art of Mathematics,” encouraging teachers to demystify the fear around mathematics and make students think out of the box like musicians, painters, sculptors. He concluded by saying, “Mathematics is an art form that celebrates creativity so the next time you see a math equation think of any dance like ndombolo or kwasakwasa.”

Following, a 6th grade student from David Livingstone Primary School, Desire Chibanga gave an inspiring mathematical poem, an exciting one, one where imagination was the password.

The program was a carefully curated blend of insightful presentations and interactive activities. Dr. Nelson Ruwa’s exploration of “The Role of Mathematics in Artificial Intelligence” sparked discussions on the cutting-edge applications of mathematics after Abednego Kangwena also presented Chido a robot they are working on at Zimbabwe Centre for High Performance Computing. He said, “the name Chido meaning”passion” is to encourage passion in mathematics,” while Ms. Joyce Masenda of OWSD had “Mastering Numbers: Diversity, Apply & Excel.”

Ms. Blessed Mubure, a UZ student, delved into “The Art of Risk, How Actuarial Science combines creativity & Mathematics,” and Ms. Portia Made of BTTC had “Canvass of Mathematics.” Vanessa Mangena, a Hatfield Girls High student also gave a presentation titled “Unlocking the Power of Mathematics”.

The highlight of the day was a captivating short play performed by BTTC students, demonstrating the practical and creative applications of mathematical concepts and how everything evolves around mathematics. The interactive “Maths Game and Motivation Session” led by Dr. V. Mukungunugwa from UZ was a resounding success, fostering enthusiastic participation and reinforcing the idea that mathematics can be both engaging and enjoyable.

The day’s events were punctuated by the reading of the UNESCO Director General’s Statement and remarks by Ms. M.J. Chirapa, Secretary General of ZIMNATCOM, read out the statement from the UNESCO Director-General, stating the international relevance of IDM, contributing wise words with emphasis on how important it was to improve the teaching of mathematics at all stages.

The event successfully showcased the harmonious blend of logic and imagination, leaving participants inspired and motivated to explore the limitless possibilities of mathematics.