TWB - South Africa Math & Science Projects 2001 – 2009

                                                                   and TWB-China 2006 – 2008

 

Teachers Without Borders – (South Africa) has conducted 30 workshops in three provinces with 1534 South African math and science teachers, and 2900 senior students in the past eight years. By conservative estimates, a half million students are benefiting from their teacher's upgraded skills. This international grass-roots effort has also provided the opportunity both for professional development and public service to more than 35 U.S. teachers - a life-changing experience, and ultimately one which benefits students in U.S classrooms. The focus of the program is to improve the learning and teaching of mathematics and science at the secondary school level. Without upgrading the skills of teachers in rural schools in South Africa, students have little hope of getting a chance at higher education. In the words of one of the South African administrators of the program,   "… to see colleagues from opposite ends of the earth share knowledge and culture with such great warmth and caring, is a sight to behold. This is an example of international cooperation and global understanding at its best. "   TWBSA is led by founder and director, Yunus Peer ( ypeer@punahou.edu ).

TWBSA - 2008 Team:  Math – Jim Metz & Carl Wheeler,  Science – Buffy Cushman-Patz & Paul Heimerdinger,  IT – Ari Patz, Leadership – Lyla Berg.

230 Middle school math and science teachers and 110 principals and administrators attended the 2008 workshops held in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu.

 

Interview - Yunus Peer :  News - Page 17.htm  - South Coast Herald. Port Shepstone, KZN, RSA.

Reflection - Paul Heimerdinger  - Iolani School : Paul Heimer.htm

Blog - Buffy Cushman-Patz - Lapietra School: http://web.mac.com/jereppun/Josh/the_World_Post/Entries/2008/5/23_South_Africa.html

Pictures – Buffy Cushman-Patz:  http://bjcphotos.smugmug.com/gallery/5574560_wofyF#341787523_TKT27

 

In 2007,  TWBSA featured 3 Canadians; Noble Kelly (IT and Director of TWB-Canada), Elspeth Anderson & Lily Vu (Vancouver School District); from Hawaii, Lynn Imai (Mid-Pacific Academy), Jim Metz (UH-KCC), Carl Wheeler (Ret. Mid-Pacific Academy) and Jennifer Hong (Punahou School) – the team worked with 118 South African teachers in the Senior Phase (Grades 7,8,9) Mathematics, Natural Science and a computer workshop designed for teachers in these subjects. TWB-SA also set up the 4th computer lab in a rural school – a TWB cooperative effort involving teachers in Hawaii, Cornell University, Rotary Clubs, and local businesses and friends in South Africa. One South African teacher and 2 students were sponsored by TWBSA to attend a Global Youth Leadership Summit and peace camp in Dubrovnik, Croatia – see report in TWB Reflections - 2007 links below.

Punahou School Bulletin - Summer Issue 2007  - Lessons of South Africa

(Scroll down to more TWB-SA links)

The success of TWB-SA has led to the creation of TWB-China. For the 2nd consecutive year, workshops with Middle and primary school teachers of Science and English teachers were held in Dujiangyan and Chengdu, Sichuan Province, in July/August 2007. The Agilent-TWB-China team: Science - Harold Lee (Ret. Punahou School), Chenyan Song (UH-Manoa), Carol Brennan (UH – CRDG), Shi-Fu (Phd. Candidate – UH) ;  English - Andy Corcoran (CAIS- San Francisco), Lyla Berg (Hawaii State Rep. – 18th District), Jennifer Hong (Punahou School) – assisted by volunteers – Lani Mednick (USC student), Gora Peer (South Africa Coordinator – TWB-SA). In 2007, 229 teachers of Science, and English, attended 2 workshops. ATWB also held 2 conferences with more than 130 Primary and Middle School administrators in Wolong and Chengdu. We are grateful to Agilent Technologies Foundation for support and sponsorship of the China project.

TWB Reflections -  CHINA    &    SOUTH AFRICA   -  2007:

·         Dr. Lyla Berg - Hawaii State House (PRC)

·         Jim Metz - University of Hawaii - (KCC) (RSA)

·         Dr. Carol Brennan - University High School - Honolulu (PRC)

·         Elspeth Anderson TWBSA - Vancouver, Canada (RSA)

·         Shi Fu - University of Hawaii (PRC)

·         Andy Corcoran - Chinese American International School (PRC)

·         Noble Kelly - TWB-SA - Vancouver, Canada (RSA)

·         Harold Lee - Punahou School - Retired (PRC)

·          Lily Vu - TWBSA - Vancouver, Canada (RSA)

·         Jennifer Hong - Punahou School (RSA & PRC)

·         Carl Wheeler - (Retired)  Mid Pacific Institute (RSA)

·         Lynn Imai - Mid Pacific Institute - Math(RSA)

·         Global Youth Leadership Summit - Croatia (RSA)

 

·          Agilent - TWB China 2006: 

* Pictures                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         * Agilent Technologies News Release                                                                                                       
* Diane Anderson  - Punahou School - English
* Chenyan Song  - University of Hawaii - Manoa - Science
* Erin Wilson  - Kamehameha School - Honolulu, Hawaii - English
* Harold Lee   Retired - Punahou School - Science
* Gail Peiterson  - Punahou School - Science
* Fred Reppun  Intern - Harvard '07
* Andrew Corcoran   - Chinese American International School – English

Interview - President of TWB - Fred Mednick  - Punahou School Bulletin – Summer 2007

South Africa Links:

Honolulu StarBulletin - TWB-SA & TWB-China 2006

The Republic of South Africa is at a critical juncture in its history. The national government has identified the teaching and learning of math and science as priorities in the educational needs of the country. While millions are no longer legally marginalized by the educational system, a massive infusion of material support and professional training of teachers and administrators is required, quickly, efficiently, and effectively to appropriately serve the long-neglected majority population of school children.

Please consider supporting this effort. The established network, the structural and logistical commitment of our South African partners and the enormous impact makes this an excellent project for effective sponsorship.   The aid is efficient, specific, targeted, and relevant.

Donations: Online at:  Teachers Without Borders
Mail checks to:
TWB South Africa, 
321 Third Ave, S #304
Seattle, WA 98104

Tax ID: 91-2023723 - 501(c) 3 non-profit organization 

2006 Project Links:   TWB-SA

* Pictures
* Barbara Mayer    - Retired: Kamehameha School - Science 
* Paul Heimerdinger  - Iolani School  - Science
* Heather Taylor -  Punahou School - Math
* Jim Metz  - University of Hawaii - KCC  - Math
* Rev. George Scott  - Punahou School - Chaplain - Video Journalist
* Computers for Rural Schools  - KZN, Gauteng, & Eastern Cape - 2006 & 2007
* Dept. of Correctional Services - RSA – Pretoria, South Africa (re: Computers)

* TWB-SA - Photo Gallery - 2006  -  by Reverend George Scott – Punahou School

2005 Project Links: TWB-SA

* East London Daily Dispatch – TWB-SA Press Coverage
* Pictures  
* Mike Pavich  - Punahou School - Math Dept.
* Jim Metz  - University of Hawaii - KCC - Math Dept.
* Ralph Dykes  - Punahou School - Science Dept.
* Melissa Mano  - Kalaheo High School - Math Dept.
* Erin Wilson  - Kamehameha School - Science Dept.
* Debi Johnson  - Kamehameha School - Science Dept.
* Yunus Peer  Closing the Global Education Divide (Punahou PFA)
* National Retired Teachers Association (National Press Article)

2004 Project Links: TWB-SA

* Honolulu StarBulletin  -Sept. 27, 2004
*  Jennifer Hong - Video - TWB-SA 2004 -Mathematics -Punahou School
*  How does TWB-SA Benefit Hawaii Teachers and Students  2001 - 2004
*  Yukio Hamada  - Mathematics - Punahou School
*  Ms. Nomonde Dabula  - Maths Curriculum Adviser - Umtata - EC
*  Pictures  - South Africa Math & Science Project 2004
*  Yunus Peer   - Journal Entry #4
*  Prof. Jim Metz   - Mathematics - University of Hawaii
*  Jennifer Hong    - Mathematics - Punahou School, Honolulu, Hawaii
*  Pauline Duncan    - Administrator - TWB-SA
*  Councillor Y. Chamda    - TWB-SA Administrator
*  Dr. Joan Rohrback    - Science - Sacred Hearts Academy - Honolulu, Hawaii
*  Erin Wilson   - Science - Kamehameha Schools
*  Yunus Peer -   Keynote Address - Partnering in Education - June 2004.

2003 Project Links: TWB-SA

*  Pictures  - South Africa Math Project 2003
*  Impressions of TWB-SA 2003  - Jim Metz - University of Hawaii
*  Global Village    - Journal - Yunus Peer
*  ZDPO    - Zamokuhle Disabled People's Organisation  
*  Councillor Shusha    - Mayoral Address  
*  Administrator's Report    - Pauline Duncan - Port Shepstone

2002 Project Links: TWB-SA

*  Honolulu Advertiser Article   - June 13, 2002
*  Duncan Report - Port Shepstone
*  Councillor Chamda - Speaker of the House - Emfuleni Vaal
*  Press Text - South Coast Herald, South Coast Fever - July 26, 2002
*  Insights- by Mike Hu (Chemistry) TWB-SA 2002
*  Reflections- by Mike Vogel (Math) 2001 & 2002
*  Pictures   - TWB - South Africa  Math & Science Project 2002
*  Honolulu Star-Bulletin - September 7, 2002 
*  Yunus Peer - Punahou School - Baccalaureate Speech - Class of 2002

2001 Project Links: Punahou-South Africa Math Project

 

The pilot program in 2001 was underwritten by a one-time grant from Punahou School in Honolulu, and cosponsored by the Cassim Peer Trust, South Africa, with additional support from a variety of South African organizations and individuals. The program is currently supported by local communities, schools, friends and neighbors in both countries. We appreciate the cooperation and generosity of the South African Dept. of Education, Rotary International ( Hawaii - District 5000) , the Julia-Sheridan Ing Family (Hawaii), Punahou School - Honolulu, Hawaii, Vaal Toyota - South Africa, The Cassim Peer Education Trust - Port Shepstone, South Africa, and the many friends of TWB who make this project happen.

 

Director:  Yunus Peer,

Social Studies Department

Punahou School , Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

 

Email: ypeer@punahou.edu