Mandeville, Manchester — The Church Teachers’ College here (CTC) recently reopened its Mathematics Resource and Recycling Centre.

The centre was named in honour of former lecturer Dr Norma Lee who was instrumental in its original formation in 2003. She is also a past student of the institution.

Using recycled waste to make instructional materials to teach the subject was reportedly a key element in the project.

Inherent in the project, Lee said, are solutions to problems faced in mathematics as well as preserving the environment.

Organisers say that the activities at the centre dwindled significantly when Lee retired.

Noting the importance of having resources to facilitate innovative teaching methods for the problematic subject area, CTC officials say that efforts were made to “re-energise” the facility.

Garth Anderson, principal of Church Teachers’ College, said that the decision will have lasting benefits for many generations.

Chairman of the school board Michael McCatty said that he was pleased that the College was at the forefront of promoting the teaching and learning of mathematics in schools.

“…If we find the right way of engaging the students, we will do well and they will learn …” he said.

Ministry of Education Region 5 (Manchester and St Elizabeth) representative Leeladee Scuffle-Gayle called for improved methods in the teaching of mathematics.

“As educators we need to get the mathematics right. Teach [so that] students become enthused about coming to classes, [so that] students see the need of becoming fluent at the subject area. Mathematics is the key to many of our problems,” she said.

The school board chairman said that those succeeding Lee should be equally passionate in order for the project to be sustained.

“Going forward with our Math Resource Centre … we need to have people who own it, people who are passionate about it, people who are committed to it that we don’t come back to another reopening sometime in the future,” he said.