Karachi, The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) held a grand showcase on March 8, 2024, to celebrate the International Day of Mathematics (IDM), focusing on the theme “Playing with Math.” The weeklong festivities were dedicated to promoting the joy of mathematics among educators and students, with a particular emphasis on engaging out-of-school children, especially girls, through play-based learning activities. The event aimed to highlight the importance of mathematics in daily life and encourage innovative teaching methods to make math more appealing to young learners.
According to The Aga Khan University, the showcase was the highlight of a series of events that included workshops for teachers on creating engaging math games and discussions on numeracy skills for out-of-school children. Over 150 children participated in the showcase, experiencing firsthand the fun side of mathematics through various games and activities. The event, which also coincided with International Women’s Day, featured contributions from female educators across Karachi, showcasing their creative math games designed to inspire an interest in mathematics among the participants.
Dr Munira Amirali, Assistant Professor and IDM Event Chair at AKU-IED, stressed the importance of play-based learning in children’s cognitive development and its role in fostering logical reasoning and connecting different mathematical concepts. The initiative brought together various partners, including the Right to Play, Directorate of Non-formal Education, Sindh Singhaar Initiative, The Dawood Foundation’s Magnifiscience Centre, and Durbeen, to support this innovative approach to math education.
The event received accolades from AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, who commended the dedication of AKU-IED and its partners in making mathematics a joyous subject for students. Dr Farid Panjwani, Professor and Dean of AKU-IED, concluded the event by emphasizing the institute’s commitment to innovative and effective teaching practices, aiming to nurture a generation of students who will find a lifelong love for mathematics.